Canteens (Establishments) -- Juvenile fiction; World War, 1939-1945 -- Juvenile fiction
Mr. Carter’s orders for Kitty to put all worries out of her mind and
sleep, were easier given than followed. She knew that very well as she
entered Hazel’s room. She thought a hot bath would do her more good
than anything else. There were plenty of fresh towels on the rack in
the bathroom, and Kitty was sure her friend would want her to make
herself at home. She was just rubbing down after a relaxing soak, when
she heard someone come in.
“That you, Hazel?” she called.
“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.”
“You’re an angel to let me rest here.”
“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.”
“Oh, Hazel, I _am_ delighted!”
“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.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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