derstand exactly, I know
it would thrill you. And--I'd like you to see me in my uniform, K. You
never have."

She grew a little sad as the evening went on. She was going to miss K.
very much. While she was ill she had watched the clock for the time to
listen for him. She knew the way he slammed the front door. Palmer never
slammed the door. She knew too that, just after a bang that threatened
the very glass in the transom, K. would come to the foot of the stairs
and call:--

"Ahoy, there!"

"Aye, aye," she would answer--which was, he assured her, the proper
response.

Whether he came up the stairs at once or took his way back to Katie had
depended on whether his tribute for the day was fruit or sweetbreads.

Now that was all over. They were such good friends. He would miss her,
too; but he would have Harriet and Christine and--Max. Back in a circle
to Max, of course.

She insisted, that last evening, on sitting up with him until midnight
ushered in Christmas Day. Christine and Palmer were out; Harriet, having
presented Sidney with a blouse that had been left over in the shop from
the autumn's business, had yawned herself to bed.

When the bells announced midnight, Sidney roused with a start. She
realized that neither of them had spoken, and that K.'s eyes were
fixed on her. The little clock on the shelf took up the burden of the
churches, and struck the hour in quick staccato notes.

Sidney rose and went over to K., her black dress in soft folds about
her.

"He is born, K."

"He is born, dear."

She stooped and kissed his cheek lightly.

Christmas Day dawned thick and white. Sidney left the little house at
six, with the street light still burning through a mist of falling snow.

The hospital wards and corridors were still lighted when she went on
duty at seven o'clock. She had been assigned to the men's surgical ward,
and went there at once. She had not seen Carlotta Harrison since her
mother's death; but she found her on duty in the surgical ward. For the
second time in four months, the two girls were working side by side.

Sidney's recollection of her previous service under Carlotta made her
nervous. But the older girl greeted her pleasantly.

"We were all sorry to hear of your trouble," she said. "I hope we shall
get on nicely."

Sidney surveyed the ward, full to overflowing. At the far end two cots
had been placed.

"The ward is heavy, isn't it?"

"Very. I've been almost mad at dressing hour