For the first time Kitty was a little late reaching the Canteen, but this had been a day when she found it difficult to keep up with all her obligations. It was her night for dish-washing duty. She had little to do until the dirty dishes began to pile up, so she strolled around the hall, talking to the service men. Suddenly she noticed Hazel Dawson at the chessboard, and to her amazement saw that Chief Krome sat opposite. She strolled over and put her hand caressingly on Hazel’s shoulder.
“How are you progressing?”
“Slow going, I fear. I never tried to learn such a complicated game.”
“She’s doing fine—really she is,” stated Krome. He glanced up and recognized Kitty. “Oh, it’s you? Did the boys enjoy that shrimp creole the other night?”
“Sure did, thanks to the recipe.”
Someone was playing a Brahms Waltz on the piano and Kitty hummed it softly.
“Sing it, Kitty dear. Those were lovely words set to the music that you sang for me the other night,” Hazel said, glancing up from her board.
“Do please, Kitty,” urged Jimmy Barnes, who stood near. “You’ve been promising to sing for us a long time.”
“Come ahead,” said Brad, catching her hand and leading her toward the piano.
“All right, if you insist,” said Kitty graciously.