They were afraid to tell him until he was stronger.

The Company was paying all the expenses of his illness, and there was an accident insurance.
At first Mary insisted on sending away Huldah, the faithful woman who had been the maid of all work in her absence, protesting that "a penny saved was a penny earned," and that she herself was amply able to do the work, and that she could economize even if she couldn't bring in any money to the family treasury.

But she was soon persuaded of the wisdom of keeping her.

The nurse was to leave as soon as Jack was able to sit up, and Mary would have her hands full then.

He would need constant attendance at first, the nurse told her, and since he could never take any exercise, only daily massage would keep up his strength.
"I shall begin teaching you how to give it just as soon as he rallies a little more," the nurse promised, "You will have to be both hands and feet for him for many a week to come, poor boy, and feet always.