She was well aware of the risks of the evening's adventure. The only dread
she had was of the discovery of her escapade by the hospital authorities.
Lines were sharply drawn. Nurses were forbidden more than the exchange of
professional conversation with the staff. In that world of her choosing,
of hard work and little play, of service and self-denial and vigorous rules
of conduct, discovery meant dismissal.

She put on a soft black dress, open at the throat, and with a wide white
collar and cuffs of some sheer material. Her yellow hair was drawn high
under her low black hat. From her Spanish mother she had learned to please
the man, not herself. She guessed that Dr. Max would wish her to be
inconspicuous, and she dressed accordingly. Then, being a cautious person,
she disarranged her bed slightly and thumped a hollow into her pillow. The
nurses' rooms were subject to inspection, and she had pleaded a headache.

She was exactly on time. Dr. Max, driving up to the corner five minutes
late, found her there, quite matter-of-fact but exceedingly handsome, and
acknowledged the evening's adventure much to his taste.

"A little air first, and then supper--how's that?"

"Air first, please. I'm very tired."

He turned the car toward the suburbs, and then, bending toward her, smiled
into her eyes.

"Well, this is life!"

"I'm cool for the first time to-day."