Surprised, Kitty asked, “You mean—you really mean—?”
“Yes. I mean your father and I have planned to marry as soon as we could clear up this trouble.”
“Oh, Hazel, I am delighted!”
“He had only a moment just now to whisper that the worst is over, and that you helped bring it about.”
Kitty’s eyes were shining. “There’s so much to talk about I don’t think I can sleep. If I could only know Brad’s going to be all right I’d be too happy for words.”
“But you must sleep, dear. Your father said you’ve been through awful things and must rest. Here, drink this milk and go to sleep. I’ll come in as soon as you wake up and tell you how Brad is.”
Kitty drank the milk while Hazel stood beside her bed. As she handed her the cup she said softly, “It’ll seem almost like having my own mother again, Hazel, to have you.”
Quick tears welled in her friend’s eyes. “Nothing you could have said would make me feel more welcome, Kitten.” With a quick movement Hazel brushed the tears aside and said, “Now I must hurry back to my ward. I’ll see you in the morning.”
As Kitty settled down on the pillow she had no idea she could sleep. Even if her mind had not been so full of things to think about the howling wind was enough to keep anyone awake. She had not realized how utterly weary she was until she sank into that soft bed. The bath and the warm milk seemed to have magic effect, for almost at once she felt drowsy and soon slept.