She hung up the receiver. She had talked to him at the telephone in the lower hall, which was enclosed, and where one might be confidential without feeing overheard.
She sat very still for a few moments in the little booth, thinking; then she rose and went upstairs.
The General was awake and eager.
"Shall I read to you?" Hilda asked.
"No, I'd rather talk."
She shaded the light and sat beside the little table. "Did you like your dinner?"
"Yes. Bronson said you made the broth. It was delicious."
"I like to cook—-when I like the people I cook for."
He basked in that.
"There are some patients—oh, I have wanted to salt their coffee and pepper their cereal. You have no idea of the temptations which come to a nurse."