"Why do you speak in that tone? Aren't you sorry?"
"No, I don't think I am. No; it is best for the little babies. Oh, oh, oh, I am so unhappy!"
She burst into tears. Katherine kissed her.
"Now, cheer up!" she said. "You stay so much alone! You would be much better if you did what I do. Just go about and fling yourself into the trouble, and do your very best for those who are in distress and suffering, and misery and fear—the deadly fear of death. And yet why should people be afraid?"
"I am not," said Kitty; "I was, but I am not. I was going to tell you that I am about to turn over a new leaf. I am going back to the hospital to-morrow."
"Are you really, Kitten?" said Kate, looking with interest at the girl. "And are you going to be a brave kitten—not to cry out if you are hurt, not to be troubled if everything is not quite your way? Are you going really to help? For if so, you can, and you will be all the better for it."
"Yes, I am going to help," answered the girl; "but I don't at all know that I am brave, and I don't at all know that I shan't cry out. Anything is better than sitting in this room and waiting for Long Tom's kisses."
"Mollie will be pleased."
Kitty gave a shudder.
"I never met a finer woman than your sister. Try to copy her, and you will be a blessing in Ladysmith."