"Seems's if you'd never come!" broke out Elsie Meyer. "I've been waitin' an' waitin' for a story."
"I'll have my things off in a minute," responded Polly, "and you'll say my story is worth waiting for."
"A new one?"
"Brand-new!"
"Where'd you get it?"
"A lady told me—a lady Dr. Dudley took me to see. It's a 'Cherry-Pudding Story.'—Oh, you just wait till I put my coat and hat away, and change my dress!" Polly danced off, the young nurse following with a soft sigh. What should she do without this little sunshine-maker!
The ward was wide awake when Polly returned. The few that were far enough along to be up and dressed had left their cots, and were grouped around Elsie Meyer's bed, each solicitous for the closest seat to the story-teller.
"Everybody ready?" questioned Polly, settling herself comfortable in the little rocker. Then she popped up. "You need this chair, Leonora, more than I do;" and before the lame girl had time to protest the exchange had been made.
"Polly, talk loud, so I can hear!" piped up a shrill voice in the corner of the ward.
"Sure I will, Linus," was the cherry response. "You must n't miss a word of the 'Cherry-Pudding story.'"