ed it was a slow fever, of English growth, with curious
complications. It appeared doubtful whether it were infectious; but
there was one thing which was unmistakable, that, whatever kind of
malaria brooding in the summer air was at the root of the complaint,
that malaria showed a disposition to spread extensively. It passed from
Stokeleigh to the adjoining village of Woodleigh, whence it took a bend
in the direction of the town, and proceeded to squat, as malarias can
squat, and settle indefinitely on all the low-lying districts of
Redcross. Neither did the epidemic improve in character with the change
of locality. For, whereas on the higher, less encumbered ground the
fever had been rarely fatal, the mortality increased with the transfer
of the disease to the crowded, damp purlieus of the older part of the
town, built more or less on the Dewes, and liable to be invaded by the
river in flood.

A combined meeting of the Town Council and Vestry, with the Mayor, who
happened to be a public-spirited man, and the Rector heading it,
determined on taking prompt action to stop the mischief. The town had
lately built a Corn Exchange in one of the highest, best-ventilated
situations in Redcross. It was to be committed to the care of a town's
officer and his wife, who were to have the adjoining rooms rent-free for
a domicile, together with certain perquisites, in return for sweeping,
scrubbing, and looking after the hall. But the place was just finished,
and had not yet been occupied in the manner intended. It was proposed to
convert it, in the absence of other accommodation, into a temporary ward
for the sufferers from fever. The doctors consulted, pledged themselves
that there was every probability of the unwelcome visitor being thus
stamped out, while the chances of recovery for the patients would be
multiplied. It was also agreed to bring a trained nurse from some
nursing institution, to mould the raw nursing materials which Redcross
supplied on the emergency. Dr. Millar's successor had a bright idea that
it might be a graceful act on his part to mention the old Doctor's
daughter, who had gone in for nursing as a profession. She had already
served nearly a year in a great London hospital, and was no doubt
competent to undertake the duties required. It would be a compliment to
her and her father to try and get her for the occasion, and there would
be a certain _eclat_ in her coming to the help of her native town in its
need. D