Polly of the Hospital Staff

ry-Puddi

reeze always reached the children's ward first. Sometimes the little people were waiting for it, ready with their welcome; but to-day there were none to laugh a greeting. The room was very quiet. The occupants of

noiselessly between the rows of be

st time for P

etty soon now." Miss Lucy smiled

y," Elsie went on, with a bit o

to-day?" asked the n

lad of a listener. "It aches all the time, 'ce

cy's face grew grave.

me?" The blue eyes w

cheerful response. "There'll be tim

rench Aimee, from the op

is almost well, and well little girls don't stay at th

Aimee's face remained clo

ll and Otto Kriloff stared at each other in dismay. Why, Polly had been there

Maggie's bed, the littl

-Polly to go!

will never do!" Then, listening, she whispere

g with pleasure, her cheeks pink as the poppies on the front lawn, and he

d, a breath of joy

ovelicious ti

ckmoor!-Did you ever rid

ppily. It was good

roke out Elsie Meyer. "I've been

te," responded Polly, "and you'll

ew o

nd-n

d you g

ust wait till I put my coat and hat away, and change my dress!" Polly danced off, the youn

along to be up and dressed had left their cots, and were grouped around El

tle rocker. Then she popped up. "You need this chair, Leonora, more than I d

hear!" piped up a shrill voi

ry response. "You must n't miss a

e breath of a rustle broke the sound of her gentle voice, while she narrated the fortunes of the young kin

interest grew intense, for Polly was a real story-teller, sweeping

instead of writing them, and was as charming and good as she was clever, the small folks became radiantly glad, and the tal

d. Then little Linus, away o

some cherr

augh, and set th

till ye git home!" return

can't we all hav

their breath at Els

nly perhaps,-if you'll all live a brave, patient, cheerful story, with never a bit

Miss Lucy, I won't whine or cry, no matter how bad you hurt

ur stories for us?" q

to be brave and patient and not make a fuss about anything, and he

le lame girl, "guess t

live," smiled the young nurse; "but let

aggie O'Donnell and O