Though Kitty had intended cultivating Hazel Dawson’s acquaintance she had actually been with her only once since her arrival. Then she and her father and Hazel had eaten lunch together in the hospital dining-room, where there was little chance for connected conversation. So Kitty was also glad of this opportunity to develop their friendship.
Hazel couldn’t praise Kitty’s delicious dinner enough, and remarked several times how wonderful it was to be in a real home.
“It’s nothing like the lovely bungalow we had in New Orleans,” said Kitty. “Of course we had our own things there. But I’m not complaining. It’s too wonderful that we can be together in any sort of home now.”
After a while Kitty slipped into the background and listened while her father and Hazel discussed other places they had worked, and mutual friends who were now scattered far and wide. The meal was not half over before Kitty was certain her father had more than a passing interest in this nurse. His preoccupation of the morning had vanished with the genial companionship.
“I’m hoping I’ll get a chance at overseas duty again,” said Hazel.
“You wouldn’t want to go till you finish the job you came here to do.”
“Oh, no! No, indeed! I wouldn’t be satisfied to go anywhere till that’s done.”
Kitty glanced speculatively from one to the other. Their words implied much. When Hazel looked across the table to find a puzzled expression on Kitty’s face, she instantly changed the subject.
“Don’t forget, my dear, that you promised to take me on a tour of these inland waterways.”
“I haven’t forgotten, but there was so much to be done while I was taking my Canteen course.”