"Have you many beds?"
"Have they many beds?" The one question that starts up among the competing wards.
And, "I don't want any; I've enough to do as it is!" is the false, cloaking answer that each Sister gives to the other.
But my Sisters are frank women; they laughed at my excitement—themselves not unstirred. It's so long since we've had a convoy.
The gallants of the ward showed annoyance. New men, new interests.... They drew together and played bridge.
A little flying boy with bright eyes said in his high, piping voice to me across the ward:
"So there are soldiers coming into the ward to-night!"
I paused, struck by his accusing eyes.
"What do you mean? Soldiers...?"