All the eyes that were open brightened when Jip and his master came in , and several thin hands were outstretched to meet them . `` I 've been good , Doctor , let me pat him first , '' cried one childish voice . `` Did you bring me a flower , please ? '' asked another feeble one . `` I know he 's got something nice for us , I see a bundle in his pocket , '' and a little fellow who sat up among his pillows gave a joyful cough as he could not shout . `` Two dollies for Midge to play with . Jip found them , but I think the little girl they are going to will lend them for a few days . We shall not need them longer I 'm afraid , '' added the young man to a rosy faced nurse who came along with a bottle in her hand . `` Dear no , the poor child is very low to-day . But she will love to look at the babies if she is n't strong enough to hold 'em , '' said the woman , leading the way to a corner where the palest of all the pale faces lay smiling on the pillow , and the thinnest of the thin hands were feebly put up to greet the Doctor . `` So nice ! '' she whispered when the dolls were laid beside her , while Jip proudly beat his tail on the floor to let her know that she owed the welcome gift to him . For an hour Flo and Do lay on the arm of poor Midge who never moved except to touch them now and then with a tender little finger , or to kiss them softly , saying , `` Dear babies , it is very nice not to be all alone . Are you comfy , darlings ? '' till she fell asleep still smiling . `` Sister , do you think this can be the Heaven we hear people talk about ? It is so still and white , and may be these children are angels , '' whispered Dora , looking at the sweet face turned toward her with the long lashes lying on the colorless cheek , and the arms outstretched like wings . `` No , dear , it is a hospital , I heard that man say so , and those are sick children come to be cured . It is a sweet place , I think , and this child much nicer than that horrid Clara , '' answered Flo , who was quicker to hear , see and understand what went on than Dora . `` I love to lie here safe and warm , but there does n't seem to be much breath to rock me , '' said Do , who lay nearest the little bosom that very slowly rose and fell with the feeble flutter of the heart below .
`` Hush , we may disturb her , '' and lively XXXXX controlled her curiosity , contenting herself with looking at the other children and listening to their quiet voices , for pain seemed to have hushed them all .
Clara Doctor Dora Flo Jip Midge Sister darlings days first