The other girl struck him at once as a good sort.
"You're booked to take us to tea, I suppose ?" she said.

"Julie's far more practical than you'd imagine, padre." They left the row of chairs together, Julie well in front and apparently forgetful of their existence.

As they came abreast of the empty bed, Peter noticed that the assistant matron had gone, and that Donovan was drifting in the stream alongside her in front.

But before they were out of the great ward, Julie and he were laughing together.

Peter felt absurdly hurt, and hated himself for feeling it.