How could Dorothy get on her disguise now?  She sighed heavily, and almost gave up her plan.  But not quite, for in desperate straits one clings to the proverbial straw, and now Dorothy was clutching frantically at—­anything—­at hope.

A man poked his head in at the door.

“Hello, Tom!” said the attendant, in no polite voice, “What have you got for me?”

The man winked, and Dorothy turned away.  “Can’t you leave her?” he whispered.

The woman looked at Dorothy, who pretended to be almost stupid.  She had hidden her face in her hands.

“I guess she’ll keep,” Dorothy heard her say, and with that the nurse stepped out of the door, and Dorothy heard a laugh in the hall.  But she did not yet dare to move.  In another moment the woman returned.  “I have got to go out for a minute,” she said; “just take this pill and sleep.  You look tired.”

Dorothy saw in the woman’s hand a slip of yellow paper.  Of course it was some message that would violate the rules.  And the woman had given her some medicine to make her sleep.

“I am too sleepy now,” said Dorothy.  “Let me alone.”

That was all the attendant wanted.  Quickly she went out, and then Dorothy jumped up.  It was but a moment’s work to open the suit-case, and slip on the plain, white, linen dress.  Then for something on her head.  Yes! the cap, there it was all ready to be put on for the day’s work.  The looking glass reflected a new Dorothy!

She did look like a nurse, and then no one yet knew Miss Bell.  But she might be back from breakfast at any moment!

Hurry, Dorothy!  Hurry!

One more look!  The long dress seemed strange, but not so strange as the agitation that filled her heart and tingled her nerves.

She opened the door, and went out into the hall, just as an attendant was turning out the electrics, for it was daylight.

“Good morning!” said the first guard, sitting in his big chair, while the marble hall seemed like an ocean to Dorothy.

“Good morning!” replied Dorothy lightly.

Then the nurses were leaving breakfast.  She could hear the voices.  If only she could get out before Miss Bell came!

“Did you see the new girl?” she heard some one say.

“Yes, and she has been called into the office!”

That would give Dorothy time!

More guards—­so many there seemed to be now, and each with his “good morning!” But Dorothy had taken courage.  She felt better out of that room; it was glorious to be so near freedom.

“Is that the new nurse?” said a big man, who actually stood at the door.

“Looks like her,” replied another, with something like a sneer.

“She’d be a lot of good with any one but—­babies,” said a third.  Then he stepped up to Dorothy.  She felt as if she would drop down.  “Out early,” he said, peering into her frightened face.

“Yes, is that time right?” she asked on the spur of the moment, thinking to divert his attention from her face.