out with you and Louise?"

"I never dared dream that I could be so happy," Janice answered.

"And Louise?"

"You know Louise. You never know what she's thinking or how she really feels, but I think she's found a certain peace she hasn't had for years."

"I can see a more contented Louise," Marian answered, "and I'm glad for both of you."

Sue looked worn and tired. Her face seemed drawn with worry. The ordeal had added several years to the dear, familiar face. They looked at each other. Sue said, "Marian," and Marian said, "Sue," and each went digging for a handkerchief.

Visitors were limited to twenty minutes. Each kept glancing at the clock on Sue's bedstand as though trying to hold back the time or in effect, turn back the years.

"The other breast will be removed the day after tomorrow," Sue told her. "Imagine what a blow that will be to my feminine pride-turning to falsies." "So why is it so important," Marian tried to say lightly, knowing that Sue had always been proud of her breasts.

"I know," Sue sighed, "but when you have an amputation it's somehow different than having internal surgery."

Marian again glanced at the clock and saw that it was time to leave. "It's time for me to go," she said, "before I'm ejected."

As Marian rose from the chair beside the bed, Sue's hand reached out and found hers. It was unlike Sue to be demonstrative. Seldom in all the years of their friendship had their hands touched. Now Sue's clasp was firm with a slight pressure pulling Marian towards her. Marian looked at Sue questioningly.

"In all the years I've known you," Sue said, "I've never dared to let you know how I felt about you. I never dared to kiss you or ask you to kiss me. But I'm asking you now." Sue's voice was low and pleading. "Please kiss me."

If it had happened at a different time or under different circumstances Marian would have thought Sue was joking or Marian would have fled from any overt sign of affection.

There was only pleading and urgency in Sue's eyes. Marian leaned over till their lips met, lingered and parted. Again they found themselves weeping, but smiling at each other through their tears.

"What it doesn't take to get a response from some people," Sue managed to say. Marian felt she must rush from the room or she would be reaching down trying to take Sue in her arms; holding her fast; doing something that may not be best for Sue at this time.

Sue sensed Marian's panic. "Don't go," she begged.

"But-Norman," Marian managed to say.

"Marian, I tried to be a good wife. All those years, I tried. Didn't I pay the price? Now it's too late, but I wanted to feel your kiss."

"It's never too late," Marian said, again stopping, but this time kissing Sue gently on the forehead. "Now, you rest and get well. I'll be back tomorrow." Sue was smiling as she turned to go.

Janice waited downstairs in the lobby of the hospital. She rose as Marian approached.

"How is she?" Janice asked.

"I think we may both live-now," Marian answered, pretending not to notice Janice's questioning glance.

15