But he opened his eyes and smiled at her.

"I've been around hospitals a little. I suppose now there is no question
about your going?"

"The superintendent said I was young, but that any protegee of Dr. Wilson's
would certainly be given a chance."

"It is hard work, night and day."

"Do you think I am afraid of work?"

"And--Joe?"

Sidney colored vigorously and sat erect.

"He is very silly. He's taken all sorts of idiotic notions in his head."

"Such as--"

"Well, he HATES the hospital, of course. As if, even if I meant to marry
him, it wouldn't be years before he can be ready."

"Do you think you are quite fair to Joe?"

"I haven't promised to marry him."

"But he thinks you mean to. If you have quite made up your mind not to,
better tell him, don't you think? What--what are these idiotic notions?"

Sidney considered, poking a slim finger into the little holes in the box.

"You can see how stupid he is, and--and young. For one thing, he's jealous
of you!"

"I see. Of course that is silly, although your attitude toward his
suspicion is hardly flattering to me."

He smiled up at her.

"I told him that I had asked you to bring me here to-day. He was furious.
And that wasn't all."