However that may be, the "excellent oil" seems to have given place to corrosive sublimate and carbolic acid--neither of which, applied in an undiluted form, may be even remotely suspected of soothing an open wound.

True, they are fatal to bacteria, but at the same time they madden the sufferer as would coals of living fire.
Even supposing one lays herself open to the charge of flattery, is it not less of a fault than to merit the reputation for brutal fault-finding?
Who would not rather be a healer than a scarifier?
"Faithful may be the wounds of a friend" (and on this word "friend" I lay special stress), but the converse is also true.

Faithful are his healings.

Have you never had a whole day brightened by some seemingly chance remark which warmed the cockles of your heart with a delicious glow?
It may have been that you were disappointed in some cherished scheme--how much disappointed no one guessed and you were ashamed to confess.

It may have been that you were struggling to be brave and cheerful under some trial, the weight of which you thought others could not appreciate.