, of course--you see, I didn't know it was quite like
that: all order and peace and quiet, and white beds and whispers, on
top,--you know what I mean,--and the misery there just the same. Have
you ever gone through a hospital?"

K. Le Moyne was stretched out on the grass, his arms under his head. For
this excursion to the end of the street-car line he had donned a pair
of white flannel trousers and a belted Norfolk coat. Sidney had been
divided between pride in his appearance and fear that the Street would
deem him overdressed.

At her question he closed his eyes, shutting out the peaceful arch and
the bit of blue heaven overhead. He did not reply at once.

"Good gracious, I believe he's asleep!" said Sidney to the pasteboard
box.

But he opened his eyes and smiled at her.

"I've been around hospitals a little. I suppose now there is no question
about your going?"

"The superintendent said I was young, but that any protegee of Dr.
Wilson's would certainly be given a chance."

"It is hard work, night and day."

"Do you think I am afraid of work?"

"And--Joe?"

Sidney colored vigorously and sat erect.

"He is very silly. He's taken all sorts of idiotic notions in his head."

"Such as--"

"Well, he HATES the hospital, of course. As if, even if I meant to marry
him, it wouldn't be years before he can be ready."

"Do you think you are quite fair to Joe?"

"I haven't promised to marry him."

"But he thinks you mean to. If you have quite made up your mind not to,
better tell him, don't you think? What--what are these idiotic notions?"

Sidney considered, poking a slim finger into the little holes in the
box.

"You can see how stupid he is, and--and young. For one thing, he's
jealous of you!"

"I see. Of course that is silly, although your attitude toward his
suspicion is hardly flattering to me."

He smiled up at her.

"I told him that I had asked you to bring me here to-day. He was
furious. And that wasn't all."

"No?"

"He said I was flirting desperately with Dr. Wilson. You see, the day
we went through the hospital, it was hot, and we went to Henderson's for
soda-water. And, of course, Joe was there. It was really dramatic."

K. Le Moyne was daily gaining the ability to see things from the angle
of the Street. A month ago he could have seen no situation in two
people, a man and a girl, drinking soda-water together, even with a boy
lover on the next stool. Now he could view things through Joe