Are you--one of them ?" she sharply asked.
"Would it disturb you if I were?
I hope not.

I've no wish to seem intrusive." "What do you want?
Something, I know.

Give it a name before there's a change there." She nodded towards the bed, and Sweetwater took advantage of the moment to scrutinise more closely the nurse herself.

She was a robust, fine-looking woman, producing an impression of capability united to kindness.

Strength of mind and rigid attendance to duty dominated the kindness, however.