Part 15 (2/2)
It was true, and Jean knew that it was true, but she fired one more shot. ”Then why don't you go?” she demanded fiercely.
”I may,” Hilda said slowly. ”I have been thinking about it. I haven't made up my mind.”
Dr. McKenzie glanced at her in surprise. ”I didn't dream you felt that way.”
”I don't think I do mean it in the way you mean. I should go because there was something worth doing--not as a grandstand play.”
She went out of the room. Jean stared after her.
The Doctor laughed. ”She got you there, girlie.”
”Yes, she did. Do you really think she intends to go, Daddy?”
”It is news to me.”
”Good news?”
He shook his head. ”She is a very valuable nurse. I should hate to lose her.” He sat for a moment in silence, then stood up. ”I shouldn't hold out for a turkeyless Thanksgiving if I were you. It isn't necessary.”
”Are you taking Hilda's part, Daddy?”
”No, my dear, of course not.” He came over and kissed her. ”Will you ride with me this morning?”
”Oh, yes--how soon?”
”In ten minutes. After I see this patient.”
In less time than that she was ready and waiting for him in her squirrel coat and hat and her little m.u.f.f.
Her father surveyed her. ”Such a lovely lady.”
”Do you like me, Daddy?”
”What a question--I love you.”
Safe in the car, with the gla.s.s screen shutting away the chauffeur, Jean returned to the point of attack.
”Hilda makes me furious, Daddy. I came to talk about her.”
”I thought you came because you wanted to ride with me.”
”Well, I did. But for this, too.”
Over her m.u.f.f, her stormy eyes surveyed him. ”You think I am unreasonable about meatless and wheatless days. But you don't know.
Hilda ignores them, Daddy--you should see the breadbox. And the other day she ordered a steak for dinner, one of those big thick ones--and it was Tuesday, and I happened to go down to the kitchen and saw it--and I told the cook that we wouldn't have it, and when I came up I told Hilda, and she laughed and said that I was silly.
<script>