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 *mediable ills drains one's nerve force, and seriously impairs one's ability for effective work. Up there," pointing toward Hernando's room, "is a pattern well worth the consideration of thinking minds. Are Reuben's energies wasted in bewailing the disaster that has overtaken his charge? No, he is a good business man, using what materials he has to the best advantage."

"What a cold, hard view of so sacred a calling, and one which takes hold on the basic principles of society," Eletheer said warmly.

"Nevertheless a correct one. Relative conditions are necessarily complex and, to do good work, the woman must be absorbed in the nurse, and dignify her patient into a case. This means work, hard work, many times drudgery in a trade—I might say, profession—in a world of increasing tendency towards scientific skill, a practical age where all genuine ability will be compensated by an equivalent in dollars and cents."

Eletheer had opened her lips to speak; but at that instant a black hand raised Hernando's