When she had finished she rejoined the Doctor, who had by this time nearly completed his round of the ward.

As soon as he was through he dismissed Stewards and Wardmasters to their duties, and returned with her to her room.

It was so changed that she thought she had made a mistake when she opened the door.

The time of her absence had been well employed by a detail of men, whom the Doctor had previously instructed.

The floor was as white and clean as strong arms with an abundance of soap and hot water could scrupt it, the walls and ceiling were neatly papered with "Harper's Weeklies," and "Frank Leslies," other papers concealed the roughness of the table and shelves, white sheet and pillow-cases had given the cot an air of inviting neatness, and before it lay a square of rag carpet.