“He is born, dear.”
She stooped and kissed his cheek lightly.
Christmas Day dawned thick and white. Sidney left the little house at six, with the street light still burning through a mist of falling snow.
The hospital wards and corridors were still lighted when she went on duty at seven o'clock. She had been assigned to the men's surgical ward, and went there at once. She had not seen Carlotta Harrison since her mother's death; but she found her on duty in the surgical ward. For the second time in four months, the two girls were working side by side.
Sidney's recollection of her previous service under Carlotta made her nervous. But the older girl greeted her pleasantly.
“We were all sorry to hear of your trouble,” she said. “I hope we shall get on nicely.”
Sidney surveyed the ward, full to overflowing. At the far end two cots had been placed.
“The ward is heavy, isn't it?”
“Very. I've been almost mad at dressing hour. There are three of us—you, myself, and a probationer.”
The first light of the Christmas morning was coming through the windows. Carlotta put out the lights and turned in a business-like way to her records.