"
A STRANGE INCIDENT.
In less than the specified time a man came back from the doctor to
inform Miss Arnold that her services were needed in a house about two
squares away from there, and that he would show her the place. Her
little trunk was already packed, her shawl and hat donned, when the
messenger arrived. But she found it very difficult to get away from
the Burtons. These poor, grateful people could not bear to part with
her whom they almost worshipped as their preserver. Children and
mother pleaded almost with anguish for her to stay with them.
"I would like to remain, Mrs. Burton," replied Agnes, "but there are
hundreds being stricken down every hour around us, who have no one to
wait upon them, and who may perish before help can reach them. You and
these darlings are now comparatively safe, while others just taken are
in deadly peril."
Her kind remonstrance had its effect, and the Burtons now consented to
let her go.
All kissed her most fondly, bade her good-by, and called down the
choicest blessings of Heaven upon her head.
"God bless you, and keep you safe from the horrible fever!" were the
words still ringing in her ears, as the heroic and devoted girl
followed the doctor's man out into the street.
It was not raining now, but the murky, mist-laden atmosphere was
rendered like a damp, choking, heavy pall of gloom by the dense
volumes of pitch and tar-smoke with which it seemed to be perfectly
soaked, as a sponge is with water.
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