the boy, Miss Durant,” he interrupted, “that you think it is your right to come here and issue instructions for our treatment of him?” “It is every one’s right to see that assistance is given to an injured person as quickly as possible,” retorted the girl, though flushing, “and to protest if human suffering, perhaps life itself, is made to wait the convenience of one who is paid to save both.” Finally discovering and adjusting his glasses, Dr. Armstrong eyed Miss Durant with a quality of imperturbability at once irritating and embarrassing. “I beg your pardon for the hasty remark I just made,” he apologised. “Not having my second sight at command, I did not realise I was speaking to so young a girl, and therefore I allowed myself to be offended, which was foolish. If you choose to go with the patient, I trust you will satisfy yourself that no one in this hospital is lacking in duty or kindness.” With a feeling much akin to that she had formerly suffered at the conclusion of her youthful spankings, Constance followed hurriedly after the orderlies, only too thankful that a reason had been given her permitting an escape from those steady eyes and amused accents, which she was still feeling when the litter was set down beside an empty bed. “Has dat slob tooken me money for keeps?” whimpered the boy the moment the orderlies had departed. “No, no,” Constance assured him, her hand in his. “Den w’y’d he pinch it so quick?” “He’s going to take care of it for you, that’s all.” “Will he guv me a wroten pape sayin’ dat?” “See,” said the girl, only eager to relieve his anxiety, “here is my purse, and there is a great deal more money in it than you had, and I’ll leave it with you, and if he doesn’t return you your money, why, you shall have mine.” “Youse cert’in dere’s more den Ise had?” “Certain. Look, here are two tens and three fives and a one, besides some change.” “Dat’s all hunky!” joyfully ejaculated the urchin. “Now, den, wheer kin we sneak it so he don’t git his
Prev.
Back
Top