While her parents and her friends at Shady Nook were imagining all sorts of horrors for Mary Louise, the day actually passed peacefully for her. It was a terrible shock to waken up in that bare little bedroom with the iron bars at the window, but after the first realization of it was over, she found comfort in work. For, unlike the previous night, she was not allowed to be idle.
Miss Stone came in at seven o’clock with a tray of breakfast in her hands.
“And how do you feel today, dear?” she inquired cheerfully.
Mary Louise opened sleepy eyes and looked about her, trying to remember where she was. For one ghastly moment she felt as if she would scream as the horror of the whole thing came back to her. But, realizing that such an act would only help to confirm her nurse’s belief in her insanity, she managed to control herself. The sun was shining, Miss Stone was kind—surely Mary Louise would find a way out. So she smiled back at the woman.
“I’m fine, Miss Stone,” she said. “Am I supposed to get dressed?”
“Eat your breakfast first,” was the reply. “After today you’ll probably eat with the other patients. But the doctor is coming in to make an examination this morning.”
Mary Louise nodded. “And then what do I do?”
“You tidy up your own room and then take some part in the household duties. You may have your choice of cleaning, cooking, washing dishes, or sewing. Then you’ll eat lunch in the dining room and spend an hour outdoors in the garden. After that there is a rest period, when you may read or sew, if you like. We have a small library, and there is a class in knitting too, if you prefer. Then supper—and vespers.”
“It sounds fine—so much better than doing nothing,” replied Mary Louise. “I think for my particular work I’ll choose cooking. I’m pretty good at cakes and pies.”
“That’s nice, dear,” concluded Miss Stone, turning towards the door. “Be ready to see the doctor in about an hour.”