“Yes. Your dad told me you were here. I came as soon as I could get away.”
“Could you lend me some pajamas? I helped myself to a bath.”
“You’re more than welcome, darling. I’ll get you something to sleep in.”
A moment later a pair of flowered pajamas were thrust inside the bathroom door. When Kitty came out arrayed in the sleeping garments two sizes too large for her, Hazel had the cover already turned down on the bed.
“You hop right in, and I’ll tuck you up for the night.”
“It’s a privilege. The hospital will be jammed tonight.”
“I won’t feel easy till Billy and Jane are safely in. Where do you suppose they’ll sleep?”
“Your father is having a cot put in his own room for Billy. Jane will sleep in the maids’ quarters. They’re putting up cots in the recreation room and library for other people. Everyone on the island has been ordered to take refuge in the larger buildings. They say none of the cottages will be safe by morning.”
“There’ll be lots for the Canteen workers to do after this.”
“So you’d better stretch out there and get some sleep. But first drink this warm milk I brought you. Your father said you’d had no supper.”
Kitty’s heart swelled with gratitude. “You’re a dear, Hazel. I love you very much.”
Hazel suddenly put down the cup of milk and sat on the side of the bed, catching Kitty’s hands in hers. “And I love you very much, too, darling. It’ll be wonderful to have a daughter like you.”
Surprised, Kitty asked, “You mean—you really mean—?”
“Yes. I mean your father and I have planned to marry as soon as we could clear up this trouble.”
“He had only a moment just now to whisper that the worst is over, and that you helped bring it about.”
Kitty’s eyes were shining. “There’s so much to talk about I don’t think I can sleep. If I could only know Brad’s going to be all right I’d be too happy for words.”
“But you must sleep, dear. Your father said you’ve been through awful things and must rest. Here, drink this milk and go to sleep. I’ll come in as soon as you wake up and tell you how Brad is.”
Kitty drank the milk while Hazel stood beside her bed. As she handed her the cup she said softly, “It’ll seem almost like having my own mother again, Hazel, to have you.”
Quick tears welled in her friend’s eyes. “Nothing you could have said would make me feel more welcome, Kitten.” With a quick movement Hazel brushed the tears aside and said, “Now I must hurry back to my ward. I’ll see you in the morning.”