Page:Lest We Forget The Sisters of Providence in Civil War Service.djvu/50

 generally cheerful reports to the patients of the improvement perceptible.

"If they do not always tell the truth they are pardonable, for it would be very cruel to reveal every bad symptom, so long as there is hope of ultimate recovery. By seven o'clock everything is ready for breakfast, which is of three classes — regular, which is for the mass of the patients well enough to eat heartily; special, which is for those whose wounds or health may require more delicate food; and extra, for those (generally officers) who pay their dollar a day for subsistence. Each class of food is substantial and excellent, well cooked and neatly served. That stomach would be very delicate which would revolt at any of it.

"After breakfast there is more sweeping, mopping, bed-changing, etc., and two or three times a week a general scrubbing. At regular intervals through the