Katherine hesitated for a moment. It was between nine and ten at night; the heat of the day was mitigated. Long Tom had ceased firing; until morning there would be comparative peace. She took Kitty's wrist between her finger and thumb, and felt her pulse.
"Your fever has gone," she said; "you are only weak, I have got some bovril here. I will make you a cup, and then—"
"Yes, what?"
"Then I am going to take you to the hospital."
"O Katherine!"
"Yes; to see Captain Keith and your sister Mollie. I hope you will be helping Mollie this time to-morrow night."
Kitty was so excited at Katherine's daring proposal that the colour mounted at once into her pale cheeks.
"I wonder if I dare," she said.
"Dare or not, you have got to come—and to-night. Here's your bovril." Katherine brought her a cup. She had heated the water with her spirit-lamp. "Drink it. That is a good girl."
"Things are so horrid!" Kitty moaned; "I have no appetite for the coarse food here."