The fact of Lawson having specially addressed her passed out of her mind immediately, but the mention of George's name filled her with fear.
It was the first time in her hospital life that she absolutely forgot the rules laid down for her conduct. Sister Kate, who had the eyes of a hawk, noticed when Lawson bent over to speak to the pretty little probationer. It was her duty to correct the faintest attempt at flirting on the part of the probationers and medical students. She felt shocked at Effie, who was fast becoming a favorite of hers, permitting such a thing for a moment, and, when next Effie had anything to do for her, quite resumed her icy manner toward her.
No. 47 required some special attention again that evening—she was feverish, and not going on well. She called Effie to her side in an eager voice.
"You might turn my pillow again for me, dear," she said. "You know how to hitch it right under the small of my back, better than any of those other nurses. There now, that's better. Stoop your head a bit, love. I believe if you go downstairs into the hall near the surgery, you are safe to see that young doctor; he is sure to be in the dispensary about this time, and you might catch him when he is going out."
"Hush!" said Effie. "I know you mean kindly, but you ought not to talk like that."
"Oh, my love, I know, I know," said the woman, with a wink. "We was all young once—I am three-and-forty, and have never had a mate. I missed my chance when I was young. Don't you miss yours, nurse."
Effie turned pale with indignation; but then, seeing that the woman meant kindly, she tried to smile.
"I am very much obliged to you," she said, "but things aren't a bit the way you think." She then went off to perform her other duties.
Sister Kate spoke to her sharply.
"Nurse," she said, "I hope you remember the rule which forbids favoritism—I noticed that you stayed longer than was necessary with No. 47."