only for comfort; an arm that wanted nothing but support; a body which had need of only her care.

The next thing Miss Grant knew, the alarm was ringing and it was nearly time for dinner.

When she started out the hall to go downstairs, she smelled the rich sweetness of a freshly baked chocolate cake. It was for Harry, she knew. His favorite.

As she came downstairs, her mother said, "Did you sleep well, dear?"

"About the same as always. I still believe the night was made for sleeping."

"The hospital called."

"A new case?"

"They wanted you for tonight, but I told them you had other plans and couldn't possibly report."

"Why did you? I could have called Harry."

"I can't understand you. It's three weeks since you had a free evening. I would think you'd want to go out and have a little fun. And Harry's such a nice boy," She emphasized

the such.

"I agree with you.

Harry's a nice boy," Miss Grant said,

emphasizing the nice.

Her mother's voice pleaded,

"You're

"You're not getting any youngor.

I had been married four years when I was your age. I didn't want you to marry too young, but it seems to me you deliberately ruin your chanses."

"Please don't worry about me, Mother."

"You won't always have me to look after you. If you don't find someone, you'll be alone when I'm gone."

"Maybe I will find someone."

10