About ten o'clock
Thus the ward 's birthday came nearer and more near . The sweet peas were placed on a broad sill outside the window for the night , lest they might take it into their frail little heads to wither before their time . They showed their appreciation of Miss Lucy 's thoughtfulness by being as sweet and bright as possible , and early in the morning everybody in the ward wore a decoration . About ten o'clock Dr. Dudley appeared , and Polly and Elsie hurried to pin a posy in his buttonhole . Elsie had chosen a pink and Polly a blue blossom , and one little girl held them in place while the other pinned them fast , the Doctor sending telegraphic messages over their heads to Miss Lucy . `` Now , let me see , '' he began , after he had returned thanks for his sweets ; `` think I can squeeze in seven or eight of them ? '' nodding to the nurse .