n Christmas, and think perhaps she might be
starving. When I find her I will-- But how can I tell what I may have to
do?"

Hurriedly she partook of breakfast and jumped into the depot cart that Nat
had driven up to the door.

"Take care that Tavia does not worry," Dorothy cautioned the young man. "I
know she has a trouble, and I am sure somehow it will be all adjusted by
to-night. I depend upon the witches of Christmas Eve."

Nat laughed and assured her he "would keep track of Tavia." Then the train
steamed in, and Dorothy was gone.

"Suppose she fails to meet me," mused the girl, whose very red cheeks were
the source of some remarks from a lady in the opposite seat.

Dorothy always looked pretty, but she looked charming when the clear red
blood rose to her cheeks and made her deep blue eyes flash like stars,
actually ignited with the torch of anticipation.

"But I am sure she will be there. Miss Pumfret is the sort of woman I
should think would never break her word."

Nor was she disappointed in her estimate; Jane Pumfret waited--even had a
cab ready to drive with Dorothy to the hospital, there to see the new
patient, Captain Nick Mayberry.

"Perhaps I had better go first and prepare him," suggested Dorothy as they
reached the door of the private room and saw the one spotless bed--the
gift of the young ladies' auxiliary.

"No need, dear," objected Miss Pumfret. "Now that I've made up my mind to
it I actually can't wait."

The next moment Dorothy drew back to allow brother and sister their own
happy moment--Jane Pumfret had the old white-haired man in her arms, was
embracing him like a child, and the nurse smiled in complete satisfaction
as she, too, stepped aside with Dorothy.

"That is all he wants," she said, "He has worried constantly, and I was so
afraid she would not come--I know Miss Pumfret."

Just then the telephone rang. The nurse picked up the receiver. She
listened to the call from the office. Then she answered:

"I'm awfully sorry, but I cannot see how we can take her. We haven't a
single public bed unoccupied."

She waited a moment, then resumed: "Poor thing. I hate to have you turn
her away, but what can we do?"

"A bed," thought Dorothy. "Why, of course, Miss Pumfret will provide a
private one for her brother, and perhaps--"

But she did not wait to think further.

"Nurse," she interrupted, her voice carrying through the 'phone, "perhaps
that patient could have our bed. Captain Maybe