To Please the Doctor by Marjorie Moore Read Free Book Online Page A

uncomfortably aware that in Brenda Malling she had a real enemy.
    That thought was borne upon her again even more forcibly when, accompanied by her Staff Nurse, she attended Duncan McRey round the ward. Brenda Malling lost no opportunity, however small, of putting the new Sister at a disadvantage. The trolley which she had set out was certainly complete, but set in such a fashion that Jill had to fumble for every instrument, even the long-handled forceps were faulty and failed to grip, with the result that every syringe or needle plonked back three or four times into the disinfecting bowl before she could secure them.
    Although Dr. McRey had raised his eyebrows in mild surprise, he had accepted her first appearance on his round without comment. Except to ask for his requirements, he had not directly addressed her, but Jill was certainly learning the truth of Harriet ’ s assertion. He was marvellous with all the children; he appeared to have their complete trust and confidence, and knowing, as Jill did, the incredible mixture of types which comprised a children ’ s ward, that in itself was an achievement.
    Jill was herself only just gaining the confidence of her small charges, ranging as they did from infancy to six or seven years. Children are naturally suspicious, and yet Jill had wondered if some of the early antipathy towards her hadn ’ t been deliberately fostered by her Staff Nurse. She had thrust back the unworthy thought as she had set herself out to overcome the difficulty; it hadn ’ t taken her long, and she had only wished that adults could be so readily won over.
    Duncan McRey rumpled a small boy ’ s tousled head, then straightened up his tall figure. “ A couple of hours up for young Jim tomorrow, Sister. ” He addressed Jill, but his blue eyes were still smiling down at the excited face on the pillow. “ You are doing fine, young man. We ’ ll have you back to school before long. ”
    What charm the man had if he cared to exert it. Jill stared almost unbelievingly at Duncan McRey ’ s smiling eyes and the tender curve of the lips. In addition to the confidence with which he inspired his small patients, Duncan McRey also made his ward round the most interesting and informative that Jill had known.
    “ I see we have Sister with us today. ” Harriet had quietly joined the group at the bedside. “ Sorry I ’ m so late, Doctor, I was kept in O.P. ’ s. ” She whispered a greeting to Jill, then concentrated upon the case which Dr. McRey began to discuss.
    During the next few minutes it became obvious to Jill that Dr. McRey not only admired Harriet as a person, but, although she was his junior, he obviously respected her judgment, and they appeared to work together with complete understanding.
    “Ain’t new Sister pretty, Doctor? Like what you see on films.” The small boy Duncan McRey was examining jerked his thumb in Jill ’ s direction. “ A real smasher I calls er. ”
    “ Can ’ t say I ’ d noticed. ” Duncan McRey laughed down at Jim, then, with an air of serious consideration, added, “ But there I daresay your eyes are sharper than mine. I ’ ll have a good look some time and let you know. ” With a final smoothing of the rumpled hair, he walked towards the next bed.
    Jill was devoutly glad of the distraction of preparing the next child for examination. Children were dreadfully outspoken She was used to that, but this was the first time she had ever really minded. She knew her cheeks had flushed, and had been uncomfortably aware of Brenda ’ s wry smile; but, worst of all, she had sensed Duncan McRey ’ s amusement. “ Nurse Malling tells me that you asked for Mr. Fahr to see Mary Miles. ” She spoke with a calm she was still far from feeling.
    “ Yes, that ’ s right ... this is Mary, isn ’ t it? ” He smiled down at the child on the bed. “ I ’ d better wait for Fahr. What time will he be over? ”
    “ Three o clock, it ’ s that now. ” Jill glanced down at the