You can do more for her now, sir, than I can ?" "How ?" asked Philip eagerly.
"Your presence, more than anything else, will inspire her with the desire to live." When the fever turned, Ruth was in a very critical condition.

For two days her life was like the fluttering of a lighted candle in the wind.
Philip was constantly by her side, and she seemed to be conscious of his presence, and to cling to him, as one borne away by a swift stream clings to a stretched-out hand from the shore.

If he was absent a moment her restless eyes sought something they were disappointed not to find.
Philip so yearned to bring her back to life, he willed it so strongly and passionately, that his will appeared to affect hers and she seemed slowly to draw life from his.
After two days of this struggle with the grasping enemy, it was evident to Dr.Longstreet that Ruth's will was beginning to issue its orders to her body with some force, and that strength was slowly coming back.
In another day there was a decided improvement.

As Philip sat holding her weak hand and watching the least sign of resolution in her face, Ruth was able to whisper, "I so want to live, for you, Phil!" "You will; darling, you must," said Philip in a tone of faith and courage that carried a thrill of determination--of command--along all her nerves.
Slowly Philip drew her back to life.

Slowly she came back, as one willing but well nigh helpless.