South African Memories eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 264 pages of information about South African Memories.

South African Memories eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 264 pages of information about South African Memories.
from speaking my mind freely on what I termed “the extraordinary treatment I was receiving,” to both of the secretaries, to the nurses, and to the patients.  The latter, being men, were very sympathizing; the nurses, though kind and attentive, were not quite so friendly, and seemed somewhat suspicious of my business.  Neither of these, I ascertained, had gone through any previous training, but had volunteered their services, as they thought it “would be a lark.”  Whether their expectations were realized was doubtful, as they told me they were worked off their legs; that they had to cook, wash their clothes, and clean out the wretched little rooms, besides looking after the patients.  In addition to these two girls there was a “lady doctor,” the first of her species I had ever come across, and with whom I was not favourably impressed.  Very untidy in her appearance, her head covered with curls, her costume composed of the remnants of showy finery, this lady had been a handsome woman, but her personality, combined with a very discontented expression of countenance, did not exactly form one’s idea of a substitute for the skilful, kind, and cheerful hospital doctor that we know at home.  In fact, she looked singularly out of place, which I remarked to several people, partly from the irritation I felt on hearing her addressed as “Doctor.”  No doubt these remarks were repeated to her, and this accounted for her black looks.

I must not omit a few words about the patients and visitors of the hospital, with all of whom I was most friendly.  One and all were exceedingly civil, and I never encountered any rudeness whatever.  Even the burghers of no importance, poorly clad, out at elbow, and of starved appearance, who came to the hospital for advice and medicines, all alike made me a rough salutation, evidently the best they were acquainted with.  Those of more standing nearly always commenced to chat in very good English; in fact, I think a great many came up with the purpose of observing the captured rara avis, an Englishwoman.  We did not actually discuss the progress of the war and what led to it, sticking more to generalities.  One hope was universally expressed, that it would soon be over, and this I heartily re-echoed.  I told one of them I thought they had been foolish to destroy all the railway-line, as it had left their own people so terribly short of food; to this he replied that such minor matters could not be helped, that they must all suffer alike and help each other; also that they were well aware that they were taking on a very great Power, and that every nerve must be strained if they could hope for success.  So another day and night passed.  I continued to send down letters without end to headquarters; but it was always the same answer:  they were waiting for the reply from Pretoria.  One afternoon we had a very heavy thunderstorm and deluges of rain, the heaviest I had seen in South Africa; the water trickled into my room,

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South African Memories from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.