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 Miss Parsons returned with the flowers properly arranged in the vase. They were roses.

"Oh, Eddie, they're beautiful."

"I wanted to bring you the first flowers," he said, "but I see somebody beat me to it."

"Edna."

"Oh. Who in hell wouldn't know that she'd get here first?"

Dot laughed. Her laugh wasn't quite under control. It was nervous, shaky. He hadn't asked about the baby yet.

"Did you get a nap today?" he asked.

"Yes. I was asleep a little while ago."

"Isn't it hard to sleep with the kids crying?"

"No. They don't cry much."

"Where do they keep them?"

"Right down the hall."

"Do they bring the kids in and wish 'em on you much?"

"No, they're only brought in at feeding time."

"When's that?"

"Every three hours. The last one was at four o'clock."

"Oh."

"Dr. Stewart says I'm fine."

"Gee, I'm glad."

Silence fell between them. Eddie wasn't permitted to smoke in the ward, and he tore at his nails nervously. Dot looked out the window. The house in back was just beginning to show signs of life. The negroes had slept the day away.

"Did you have a hard day?" asked Dot.

"Not very," said Eddie.

Silence again. A stifling restraint clamped down upon them.

Eddie hitched his chair close to Dot and spread his legs comfortably under the bed. He was glad of the silence.