His physician found it impossible to break up the fever, and with his
afflicted family I anxiously awaited the result. A deep gloom
overshadowed the dwelling, the family and servants moved with noiseless
steps and hushed voices through the silent apartments. He was delirious
most of the time. The doctor often tried to prevail upon Mrs. Baynard to
leave him to the care of some other member of the family and seek rest,
but she could not think of leaving his bedside even for a short time,
and only did so when rest was an absolute necessity. The two daughters
had been absent at school for two years, and just at this time they
returned to their home, having finished their term of study, and they
were almost heart-broken thus to find their father stretched upon a bed
of sickness, and could not but entertain fears as to the result. All my
attention during the day was required at the store, as the whole
oversight of the extensive establishment devolved upon me.
The days that Mr. Baynard lay prostrated by suffering passed wearily by:
the frequent visits of the physician, the perpetual silence, and the air
of gloom which prevailed through the dwelling, told but too plainly that
there was sorrow and suffering within its walls.
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