"This is my sister, Lawson," said Mollie. "She will sit with you for a little. She would like to read you your home letters, and she can write a letter at your dictation if you wish it. Anyhow, she will try to amuse you."
Kitty sat down very shyly. She had her mission full in view. She was not forgetting herself for a single instant, but, all the same, the cases in the surgical ward made her nervous. She hoped no fresh wounded men would be brought in while she was present, and that no operations would take place anywhere within earshot. She felt that her own courage was of the poorest quality, and that if Long Tom sent any kisses in her direction she might shrink.
"But I must not," she said, "for if I do they would turn me out; and it is my only chance to stay here, and—and use my eyes."
"Shall I read you anything?" she said, raising her pretty eyes, as the thought came to her, to Lawson's face.
"If you would, miss," he answered. "I'd like to hear all the home letters read over one by one. Here they are, miss."
He indicated a pile of letters which were pushed under his pillow. Kitty took them out. They were tied with a bit of red ribbon.
"They are from my mother, miss, and my—the young woman I keep company with."
"Oh!" answered Kitty. She looked with interest at Lawson. His mother was nothing to her; but his sweetheart! A fellow-feeling made her kind. "Is she very fond of you?" she asked suddenly.
"Is Annie fond of me, miss?" he replied. "I should think she is just; and I—oh, I adore her, miss! She wanted us to marry afore I come out; but I said best not—best wait till I get back with my V.C. I won't never get that now, miss; and they say I'll limp all the rest of my days."
"I don't suppose she will mind that," answered Kitty.