rehead, but the latter steps away
defensively._)

EILEEN. It's only--not sleeping last night. I was nervous. Oh, I'm sure
it'll go away.

MRS. TURNER (_consolingly_). When you lie still and have perfect rest,
of course it will.

EILEEN (_with a longing look over at_ Murray). But not to-day--please,
Mrs. Turner.

MRS. TURNER (_looking at her keenly_). There is something upsetting
you. You've something on your mind that you can't tell me, is that it?
(Eileen _maintains a stubborn silence._) But think--_can't_ you tell
me? (_With a kindly smile._) I'm used to other people's troubles. I've
been playing mother-confessor to the patients for years now, and I
think I've usually been able to help them. Can't you confide in me,
child? (Eileen _drops her eyes, but remains silent._ Mrs. Turner
_glances meaningly over at_ Murray, _who is watching them whenever he
thinks the matron is not aware of it--a note of sharp rebuke in her
voice._) I think I can guess your secret, my dear, even if you're too
stubborn to tell. This setback is your own fault. You've let other
notions become more important to you than the idea of getting well. And
you've no excuse for it. After I had to warn you a month ago, I
expected _that_ silliness to stop instantly.

EILEEN (_her face flushed--protesting_). There never was anything.
Nothing like that has anything to do with it.

MRS. TURNER (_sceptically_). What is it that has, then?

EILEEN (_lying determinedly_). It's my family. They keep writing--and
worrying me--and---- That's what it is, Mrs. Turner.

MRS. TURNER (_not exactly knowing whether to believe this or
not--probing the girl with her eyes_). Your father?

EILEEN. Yes, all of them. (_Suddenly seeing a way to discredit all of
the matron's suspicions--excitedly._) And principally the young man I'm
engaged to--the one who came to visit me several times----

MRS. TURNER (_surprised_). So--you're engaged? (Eileen _nods._ Mrs.
Turner _immediately dismisses her suspicions._) Oh, pardon me. I didn't
know that, you see, or I wouldn't---- (_She pats_ Eileen _on the
shoulder comfortingly._) Never mind. You'll tell me all about it, won't
you?

EILEEN (_desperately_). Yes. (_She seems about to go on, but the matron
interrupts her._)

MRS. TURNER. Oh, not here, my dear. Now now. Come to my room--let me
see--I'll be busy all the morning--some time this afternoon. Will you
do that?

EILEEN. Yes. (_Joyfully._) Then I needn't go to bed right awa