About nine o'clock
The sick in the other part of the house were much better , and , though one of the gentlemen boarders had been taken since morning , she lighted the lamp and stole about the room with a calmer , happier spirit than she had known for many days . She fancied that her charge breathed more easily , and the wild stare of the inflamed eyes was concealed under the long lashes which lay on the cheeks . The sufferer slept , and the watcher augured favorably . About nine o'clock she heard steps on the stairs , and soon after Drs. Asbury and Hartwell entered together . There was little to be told , and less to be advised , and while the latter attentively examined the pulse and looked down at the altered countenance , stamped with the signet of the dread disease , the former took Beulah 's hand in both his , and said kindly : `` How do you do , my little heroine ? By Nebros ! you are worth your weight in medical treatises .