r to address a word
to the probationers; even the necessary duties required of them had to
be conveyed through a Sister or a ward nurse. Effie was helping poor No.
47 to drink a little milk and soda water. As she put the glass back in
its place, Lawson came close to her. He said abruptly:

"I am very anxious to have a conversation with you about George."

She colored crimson when he addressed her.

"Yes," she said.

"Nurse!" exclaimed Sister Kate's voice at that moment, in a harsh, sharp
tone, "go at once and make up the fire at the other end of the room."

Effie went off, trembling and disturbed.

The fact of Lawson having specially addressed her passed out of her mind
immediately, but the mention of George's name filled her with fear.

It was the first time in her hospital life that she absolutely forgot
the rules laid down for her conduct. Sister Kate, who had the eyes of a
hawk, noticed when Lawson bent over to speak to the pretty little
probationer. It was her duty to correct the faintest attempt at flirting
on the part of the probationers and medical students. She felt shocked
at Effie, who was fast becoming a favorite of hers, permitting such a
thing for a moment, and, when next Effie had anything to do for her,
quite resumed her icy manner toward her.

No. 47 required some special attention again that evening--she was
feverish, and not going on well. She called Effie to her side in an
eager voice.

"You might turn my pillow again for me, dear," she said. "You know how
to hitch it right under the small of my back, better than any of those
other nurses. There now, that's better. Stoop your head a bit, love. I
believe if you go downstairs into the hall near the surgery, you are
safe to see that young doctor; he is sure to be in the dispensary about
this time, and you might catch him when he is going out."

"Hush!" said Effie. "I know you mean kindly, but you ought not to talk
like that."

"Oh, my love, I know, I know," said the woman, with a wink. "We was all
young once--I am three-and-forty, and have never had a mate. I missed my
chance when I was young. Don't you miss yours, nurse."

Effie turned pale with indignation; but then, seeing that the woman
meant kindly, she tried to smile.

"I am very much obliged to you," she said, "but things aren't a bit the
way you think." She then went off to perform her other duties.

Sister Kate spoke to her sharply.

"Nurse," she said, "I hope you remember the