Polly did not speak and after a bit of a pause the Doctor went on.
"Miss Price is going through a pretty hard place just now. Word came yesterday that her only sister, who is a missionary in Turkey, is very sick and not expected to live."
"Oh, I wish I had n't said that!" Polly broke out penitently. "I might go up and tell her I'm sorry," she hesitated.
"It would n't be a bad plan," Dr. Dudley replied.
So Polly said good-night rather soberly, although carrying away with her the gay-colored book and the happy belief that David was going to get well.
Her feet lagged, as they drew near the ward. What would Miss Price say? Would she make it easy or hard for her to apologize? Then the thought of the sick sister far away in Turkey, and half forgot herself.
The nurse was writing at her little table, when she looked up to see Polly by her side.
"I'm sorry I was so saucy this afternoon," came in a soft voice. "I did n't know about your sister then. I hope she'll get well."
For a moment Miss Price did not speak, and Polly fancied she saw tears in the black eyes.
"Thank you, my dear," she replied then. "Perhaps I was too severe. But we will be friends now, won't we?"