Moreover, Miss Steel had asked twice of Molly’s condition in a very meaning tone of voice, and had wished to know exactly when the nurse thought Molly would be able to see visitors. These things the girls knew, and since Molly was still weak and very hoarse, her friends were careful to keep off dangerous subjects.
Strange to say, Molly had never mentioned the ring to any one since she had been in the hospital.
“Everybody has been so beautifully kind,” she was saying, “and really, I think the rest is going to do me so much good, that when I get well I’ll be better than I was before I got sick,” she added, laughing.
“We’ve missed you terribly,” said Nance dolefully.
“Queen’s just a dead old hole without you, Molly, dear,” went on Judy affectionately.
Molly smiled lovingly at her two friends.
“You are the dearest——” she began, taking a hand of each when the nurse entered.
“Miss Stewart would like to see you, Miss Brown.”
“Oh, yes,” cried Molly; “do ask her to come up.”
Nance and Judy did not linger after Mary Stewart’s arrival. Her face also wore a serious look, and she took Molly’s hand and gazed down into her face almost with a compassionate expression.