Polly of the Hospital Staff

ttle S

owed to see him as soon as they both wished. When, at last, sh

once; "the time I was so sick. The Doctor said you had a race, and enjoyed it. I don'

n't I that ran-at least, n

ed David. "Polly!

nel Gresham's beautiful horse, did the running-th

big with excitement, an

" he br

ld him how -sick you were, and asked him to catch the Doctor. I never thought of his taking me; but before I knew i

was I?" whispere

the Colonel! Why, yes, of course, he did! That is, I told him-no, I did n't tel

he knew-oh, I hoped he knew! Polly!"-and the dol

r uncle?" Now Polly'

ther's

!" beamed Polly. "I shoul

spoke again it was on an entirely differen

to Colonel Gresham?" Polly asked, as

; h

hat she had learned

shook his

dren," he cautioned her. "Such things are bett

down in our ward

ps on improving as fa

ot of the stairs, the Do

?" he

it," she

her hand again. "There is a lady I'd lik

ung l

s white

n old

der than y

not old

grow old, will we?"

to, if we liv

; we'll alway

of the hospital with which she was not familiar; but she grew grave instantly, for the

with the great oaken chair in which she was pillowed. Mrs. Jocelyn, the Doctor had called her, and Polly like the sound of the name; but

al, Dr. Dudley tells me. What do you f

he returned an answer or not, for her eyes seemed to be looking at someth

them, and we play quiet games." She paused, hunting for facts. "Oh and I go auto riding with Dr. Dudley!" she broke out brightly. "That's very nice. A And I've been to ride with Colonel

avid Gresham sick? What David do you

irs in the ward. Colonel Gresh

ated the stor

Collins that Eva Gresham ma

Colonel Gresham is his mother

little sad lady actually smiled. Then she sighed. "It is too bad! If they'd only make up! But they never will. David is n't built on the make-up plan-or Eva either, I fancy. Eva Gresham was a beau

e had nothing in the world against Jack Collins, except that he was an artist, and poor. He would

he came ba

fraid he'll forget it; if he said he would, he will. I declare, you look a good deal

-the bluest I ever s

s his father," rep

to the talk, and presently Polly

a message to Mrs. Jocelyn's nurse, and the

in and stay a wh

itated, and she looked qu

be away for a quarter of an hour or so, and if you will stay wit

ed herself

ppy as you look," the litt

s, here," she added. "I could n't help being, it

ppy while you can be," their owner said. "When you g

d!" laughed Polly. "Dr. Dudley

k her head, and then

id Collins

most strong enough to come down into our ward, and there is n't any room for

" scowled Mrs. Jocelyn. "Dear me,

"I don't know what we shall do if he can't come at all! We've planned so many th

soon," the little lady responded. "Dr. Dud

e children keep me tel

me one," invited

It seemed to rollicking for this big, hushed room, with only one sober-eyed listener. She hastily decided that none of the cat stories were suitable, or fairy tales-"Oh!" she suddenly dimpled, "I

d to hear it," was

ul to Polly, used as she wa

ire you?" s

ittle one. Perhaps th

Polly. "I guess I can read it better than I can te

d after Polly had disappeared. All the bri

ching for the light returning footfalls, an

ished the first page of the story her listener had settled herself comfor

ul White Flower of Love, transformed his father's kingdom, a country desolate from war

ut her listener's weary eyes seemed to be studying the pattern of the dainty comfort ac

ady finally said; but the words

have tired you,

lly well. Perhaps we'll have another story some day. You don't need to stay, o

se to remain. She hesitated a moment, and then said, "Good-bye,

ucy was quick to see t

e story go?

out something else, and she said I need n't stay any longer. I thought it would make her happie

well as you could; that's all any of us can do. So don't worry about it. T

smiled, and off she skipped, to