Withherownlittlehandsshecutoff，astenderlyasapearispeeled，thebridal-dress，sosteepedandstained，andthenwithherdaintytransparentfingersnolargerthanapencilsheprobedthevilewoundintheside，andfetchedthereekingbulletforth；andthenwiththecoldestwaterstanchedtheflowingofthelife-blood。Allthiswhilemydarlinglayinsensible，andwhiteasdeath；andneedednothingbuthermaidenshroud。
ButRuthstillspongedthepoorsideandforehead，andwatchedthelongeyelashesflatuponthemarblecheek；
andlaidherpurefaceonthefaintheart，andbadethemfetchherSpanishwine。Thenshepartedthepearlyteethfeeblyclenchedonthehoveringbreath，andpouredinwinefromachristeningspoon，andraisedthegracefulneckandbreast，andstrokedthedelicatethroat，andwaited；andthenpouredinalittlemore。
Annieallthewhilelookedonwithhorrorandamazement，countingherselfnosecond-ratenurse，andthisasagainstalltheory。ButthequietliftingofRuth’shand，andoneglancefromherdarkbrighteyes，toldAnniejusttostandaway，andnotintercepttheairso。AndattheverymomentwhenalltheresthadsettledthatRuthwasasimpleidiot，butcouldnotharmthedeadmuch，alittleflutterinthethroat，followedbyashortlowsigh，madethempause，andlookandhope。
Forhours，however，anddays，shelayattheveryvergeofdeath，keptalivebynothingbutthecare，theskill，thetenderness，andtheperpetualwatchfulnessofRuth。LuckilyAnniewasnotthereveryoften，soastomeddle；forkindandclevernurseasshewas，shemusthavedonemoreharmthangood。Butmybrokenrib，whichwassetbyadoctor，whochancedtobeatthewedding，wasallottedtoAnnie’scare；andgreatinflammationensuing，itwasquiteenoughtocontenther。ThisdoctorhadpronouncedpoorLornadead；