The doctor came down from Alexander Abraham 's room looking grave . `` It 's impossible to pronounce on the disease yet , '' he said . `` There is no certainty until the eruption appears . But , of course , there is every likelihood that it is the smallpox . It is very unfortunate . I am afraid that it will be difficult to get a nurse . All the nurses in town who will take smallpox cases are overbusy now , for the epidemic is still raging there . However , I 'll go into town to-night and do my best . Meanwhile , at present , you must not go near him , Peter . '' I was n't going to take orders from any man , and as soon as the doctor had gone I marched straight up to Alexander Abraham 's room with some dinner for him on a tray . There was a lemon cream I thought he could eat even if he had the smallpox . `` You should n't come near me , '' he growled . `` You are risking your life . '' `` I am not going to see a fellow creature starve to death , even if he is a man , '' I retorted . `` The worst of it all , '' groaned Alexander Abraham , between mouthfuls of lemon cream , `` is that the doctor says I 've got to have a nurse . I 've got so kind of used to you being in the house that I do n't mind you , but the thought of another woman coming here is too much . Did you give my poor dog anything to eat ? '' `` He has had a better dinner than many a Christian , '' I said severely . Alexander Abraham need not have worried about another woman coming in . The doctor came back that night with care on his brow .
`` I do n't know what is XXXXX be done , '' he said .
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