“I added the green tea, my dear, to keep you awake. I suppose you will want to watch to-night?”
“Oh, yes, yes! Many thanks for your kind thoughtfulness,” said Elfie, earnestly.
When Elfie had finished her light repast, Sister Agnes took her to a small sleeping room in the third story, containing two little white beds, two little wash-stands and two chairs—and having no other furniture.
“Sister Mary-Joseph and myself sleep here. That is my bed by the window. I advise you to lie down on it and rest for an hour or two before you return to your patient. He will be well taken care of during your absence, never fear,” said Sister Agnes.
“You are very good, but I would rather go back, when I have bathed my face and arranged my dress. Where is the box Miss Rosenthal sent me, please?”
“Here it is,” said the sister, drawing a medium sized trunk from under the bed.
The key was tied to one of the handles, and Elfie untied it and opened the trunk. Erminie had sent her a soft gray merino wrapper, suitable for nursing, a soft pair of cloth slippers, a change of clothing and a great plenty of fresh pocket-handkerchiefs and towels.
Elfie dressed herself in these comfortable habiliments, and then requested her guide to show her back to her ward.
“For I never could find the right way by myself, I am sure,” she said.
The sister complied with her request and attended her to the door of the ward, where she left her.