CHAPTER XI
DR. ABBE
ALTHOUGH Mrs. Gresham and Polly were most closely concerned in the plans that crowded the next week, Dr. Dudley’s home and the entire hospital were a little off their balance. Mrs. Gresham was chiefly occupied in arranging for minor alterations in the new Overlook Home and purchasing furniture and other appointments that would be needed; while Polly and her mother inspected the small patients’ old clothing and ordered new, for nights would be cool up on the mountain and suitable garments must be ready for any emergency.
All the nurses were wondering whose services would be required for the new sanitarium, and each hoped the good fortune would be hers. The rest of the summer among the Vermont hills, with Polly for companion and only a dozen or so interesting children to care for, was a snap to be eagerly caught up. Not many of the doctors appeared to be giving much thought to the matter; only two or three let it be understood that they had no desire to be dispatched to the “Top of the World,” with a few kids and two or three girls for sole company.
It was at dinner that Dr. Dudley and Polly first touched upon the subject of helpers for the Overlook home.
“You had better take two nurses with you,” observed the Doctor.
“How could I need them?” returned Polly. “Unless in case of an epidemic,” she laughed.
“Easy enough,” replied the physician. “I want you to have a good rest.”
“Yes, two are none too many,” added Mrs. Dudley.
The girl scowled musingly. “I am afraid they will be in the way,” she demurred. “It depends on which can go.”
“How should you like Miss Curtis and the assistant dietitian?”