The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-10-23

They fingered few moments, then started on. Half way down the block big raindrops began fall- ing. The girls turned back. By the time they had reached the apartment building the rain was coming rapidly. Safe is the shell ter of the entrance the girls walt ed and drank in the chill, fresh air.
 There was no more said that evening, about Norma's forebodings or the promise Chris had made. The rainfall continued for several hours and even the stuffy apart ment became less like an oven. By morning the heat wave seemed definitely broken.
 It was two weeks later to the day. The long hospital corridors smelled unpleasantly of disinfect- ant. The halls were cool and still. No one was in sight but from rooms beyond there came hints of muffled activity.
 Chris stood in the doorway of a waiting room, looking down the hall. She was pale and her hands were gripped together. Her hips were a tight red line that wav- erede unsteadily. Chris eyes, eager, fearful, sought the end of the corridor.
 No one appeared. She turned to the young woman at the desk. Are you sure you'll know right away?'' she asked. Wont they let me see her now |? | Surely it must be time" "I'll tell you as soon as the re- port comes," the young woman said tartly: "No, you can't go to her. You'd better sit down and quiet yourself"
 The tone in which she spoke was both arrogant and bored. Chris eyed the other with hostility. Then she crossed the room to a chair and sat down.
 A nurse entered, her stiffly starched uniform rustling crisply. Chris strengthened, alert in every muscle. She could not understand the two voices as the nurse spoke to the girl at the desk. The nurse wrote a few words on a card, | turned and left.
 Again Chris eyes sought the large square clock on the wall. Five minutes? Oh, but it must be more than that! Why it must be Is minutes at least since she looked at the clock. Deliberately she turned her back on the time- piece.
 A man in brown suit appeared and presently another nurse. The man followed the nurse from the room. A blond youth (scarcely more than a boy) who wore a white coat stepped inside the door way.
 Has Dr stebbins come in yet?" he asked.
 He won't be here for another hour. His secretary just tele- phoned." the girl at the desk an- nounced.
 There followed an interval of several minutes. Then the first nurse reappeared. She said to Chris, You're Mrs Travers' friend, aren't your"
 f "Yes!" Chris was on her feet in- stantly. How is she? Oh, is any, thing wrong?" | The nurse was smiling. That smile treasured Chri seven before the words came. Mrs Travers is resting. She has a fine son. Six | pounds and as nice a looking baby as I've ever seen. I'm sorry I can't let you see him. Later in the day you may"
 But. Norma" Chris asked anxiously. "She's - you're sure she's all right? Can't I see her just for a minute? Oh, please let mel" | The nurse shook her head mega lively. I'm sorry" she said. You couldn't possibly see her now. But there's no reason for you to worry about your friend. Dr Russell was just speaking about how we'll Mrs Travers came through. If you'll come back this afternoon you can see both of them."
 "Both?" Chris looked puzzled. "Why. yes of course! The mother and baby. The nurse spoke as though she thought Chris was un- usually stupid.
 It was late afternoon when the elevator cage, creaking dismally, ] hospital. Half way down the cor ,ridor was Norma's tiny cubicle. The nurse who was on duty nodded as the girl passed.
 Chris tapped lightly on the door. then opened it. Norma lay on the ugly hospital bed, just as she had the last time Chris had visited her. | Norma's lovely hair was tossed 1 back from her forehead. She was pale but she had looked that way on the other visit, too. Norma s eyelids fluttered open.
 Hello, honey" Chris said, going nearer. "They wouldn't let me come to SC you sooner"
 Hello, Chris" Norma's smile was not altogether a success.
 Chris glanced about. There were | gladioli which she recognized on the table near the bed but there was also vase of pink roses. More than a dozen of them with great long stems. Their perfume scented the whole room.
 You're not to talk" Chris warned. "I promised I wouldn't let you tire yourself. How lovely the roses are!"
 Bob sent them. Nice of him. wasn't 1t? Thanks for your flow CTS, Chris"
 'There, there! I told you you mustn't talk. If you do I'll have to leave. 1 just wanted to be sure you have everything you want. Do you. honey? Is there anything can send-?"
 The head on the pillows moved slightly. a faintly negative nod. Nothing" Norma said. "I just want toto rest" There was a pause and then she went on. Did they-let you see-him ?"
 "The baby? Oh, he's cunning! Such a cute little wrinkled, pink fellow. Can't tell yet who he's go- ing to look like, can you? You know, Norma. I never saw a brand new baby before. mean so very brand new! The nurses and doctor all think he's wonderful. You should hear them!"
 ''I wish they'd let him stay with me. I'd like to see Mark now" Chris Saundners glanced down