Next time Kitty was on duty at the Snack Bar she went over to the hospital for Hazel, and together they walked the five blocks to the USO hall. As they walked along the main street in the twilight they caught glimpses of the docks, with their dimmed boat lights at each street intersection.
“I love living here, don’t you?” said Kitty.
“Under different circumstances it would be quite an interesting post.”
“Under different circumstances?” Kitty’s tone implied her puzzlement.
“I’m in rather an awkward spot, you know. My brother had a very unpleasant time here—was blamed for something of which he was innocent.”
“Naturally I still feel the cloud hanging over me. I’ll never be quite happy till my brother is cleared.”
“Is there anything I can do? I wish I could help.”
“I’m afraid there’s nothing anyone can do outside the service.”
Kitty wanted to ask for more details, but the tone of Hazel’s last remark suggested that the subject was closed. In fact she felt very much surprised that her friend had been as frank as she had about the matter.
At the USO hall they separated for a while, Hazel to help amuse the boys while Kitty went into the Canteen quarters. When she slipped off her coat and put on her apron, she went out to the bar to find Ned Miller waiting for her. He seemed as bright as a sunny day after a long rainy spell.
“Miss Kitty, you’ll never guess what’s happened!” he exclaimed.
“Your wife and baby aren’t flying to Palmetto Island already?”
“Oh, no, nothing so marvelous as that, but surprising enough.”
“Then spill the news, Ned, and don’t keep me in suspense,” she encouraged.
“The Harpers have asked me to be godfather for their son.”
“Imagine me a father and a godfather all in one week!”
Judy, Sally and Mrs. Evans drew nearer to add their congratulations to Kitty’s.
“You’ve all got to drink a hot chocolate with me to celebrate,” continued Ned proudly. “It’s on me this time!”
Mrs. Evans poured the chocolate, and topped it with an unusually generous spoonful of whipped cream.
“This is on the Canteen,” she said, and they all made merry over the great event.
“You must all come to the christening a week from Sunday at the little chapel a block from the hospital.”
Hazel came presently and took Ned off for some dancing. As Kitty watched them go there was a tender light in her eyes. How happy she felt to realize that she had made the sun break through the fog for at least one boy!