“It is terribly hard work, though,” said Mr. Brookes, somewhat discouragingly, “and I wish it was almost any other hospital than Charity.” Marion was about to reply, when she heard Miss Allyn coming up the stairs. She bit her lips with amusement as she pictured what was about to follow. She had not told either Miss Allyn or Dollie that she knew this young man, so she was prepared for something like a scene from Miss Allyn. “Good-night, Miss Marlowe,” said young Brookes, holding out his hand. “Good-night,” Marion answered, her lips curving into a smile, “and I do hope you will keep your promise about coming to Charity.” “I will, indeed,” said the young man, softly. The next moment he turned and confronted Miss Allyn. “Miss Allyn! Alma! Is it possible?” he cried in astonishment. “Hello, Reggie, what the mischief are you doing here?” was the answer. Then as Miss Allyn caught sight of Marion, she added promptly: “Oh, I see, you are making love to the noblest girl in creation!” CHAPTER VIII. A PROPHECY CAME TRUE. “Well, if you are not a sly one,” remarked Miss Allyn, as soon as she and Marion were alone in the little parlor. Marion indulged in a hearty laugh before she told her how she had met young Brookes and his mother on the train the day she came back from the country. “Will you take my advice and marry him if he asks you,” said Miss Allyn, shortly. “There are not many men like Reginald Brookes, Marion, I can tell you.” “Is he better than Mr. Ray?” asked Marion, jokingly. “I have been trying to answer that question for myself all the evening.” “Poor Mr. Ray! His chances are fading,” said Miss Allyn, smiling. “Well, it wouldn’t be fair to the absent to praise his rival, so I’ll decline the responsibility of answering your question.” “That’s just like you, Alma,” said Marion, soberly. “You are the most loyal woman that I ever met or heard of.” “Well, I know another that answers to that description,” said Miss Allyn, quickly. “Do you want to see her?” She grasped Marion by the shoulders and whirled her around so that she faced the mirror directly over the mantel. Marion blushed and was about to speak, when Dollie tapped on the door. Her lover, Ralph Moore, was with her and begged the girls to let him come in a minute. “Come right in, Brother Ralph,” said Marion, teasingly. “Come in and see Dollie’s new home, and I’ll introduce you to Miss Allyn.” Ralph Moore was a handsome fellow, with charming manners, and since his engagement to Dollie he was just like a big brother to Marion. “It’s very pretty,” he said, admiringly. “I hope I’ll soon be able to furnish as pretty a one for Dollie.” “What, and take her away from me?” asked Miss Allyn, quickly. “Well, that settles it, Mr. Moore. You can consider me your sworn enemy.” “Oh, you’ll have to live with us,” retorted Dollie. “We’ll take a bigger flat and all live together.”