"Oh! May I keep it on my finger all night long?" she asked incredulously.
"Certainly, dear," the nurse replied.
That was enough. Without another word she allowed herself to be undressed.
The ward had been dark and quiet for at least two minutes when a voice piped out, "Miss Lucy! OH, Miss Lucy!"
"What is it, Elsie?" came the quick answer.
"I just happened to think—you and Dr. Dudley and Polly and the organ man and the monkey and everybody have been living such a splendid story for my birthday! I did n't thank you half enough!"
"You have done just right, dear. All the thanks we wanted were in your happy face. Now pleasant dreams!"
With a glad good-night, Elsie settled back contentedly on her pillow, the ring finger pressed against her cheek. And, at last, the hush of sleep brooded over the convalescent ward.