"I'll send you word," said the Probationer, and got up. She was almost dizzy with excitement and the feeling of having no money at all in the world and a parrot she did not want. She got out into the air somehow and back to the hospital. She took a bath immediately and put on everything fresh, and felt much better--but very poor. Before she went on duty she said a little prayer about thermometers--that she should not break hers until she had money for a new one. * * * * * Father Feeny came and lined up six budding priests outside the door of the ward. He was a fine specimen of manhood and he had asked no questions at all. The Senior thought she had better tell him something, but he put up a white hand. "What does it matter, sister?" he said cheerfully. "Yesterday is gone and to-day is a new day. Also there is to-morrow"--his Irish eyes twinkled--"and a fine day it will be by the sunset." Then he turned to his small army. "Boys," he said, "it's a poor leader who is afraid to take chances with his men. I'm going first"--he said fir-rst. "It's a small thing, as I've told you--a bit of skin and it's over. Go in smiling and come out smiling! Are you ready, sir?" This to the _interne_. That was a great day in the ward. The inmates watched Father Feeny and the _interne_ go behind the screens, both smiling, and they watched the father come out very soon after, still smiling but a little bleached. And they watched the line patiently waiting outside the door, shortening one by one. After a time the smiles were rather forced, as if waiting was telling on them; but there was no deserter--only one six-foot youth, walking with a swagger to contribute his little half inch or so of cuticle, added a sensation to the general excitement by fainting halfway up the ward; and he remained in blissful unconsciousness until it was all over. Though the _interne_ had said there was no way back, the first step had really been taken; and he was greatly pleased with himself and with everybody because it had been his idea. The Probationer tried to find a chance to thank him; and, failing that, she sent a grateful little note to his room: Is Mimi the Austrian to have a baked apple? [Signed] WARD A. P.S.--It went through wonderfully! She is so cheerful since it is over. How can I ever thank you? The reply came back very quickly: Baked apple, without milk, for Mimi. WARD A. [Signed] D.L.S. P.S.--Can you come up on the roof for a little air?