"I feel shaky," she began, with a tremulous laugh. "But I am quite sure I have not broken any bones."
Patty stepped in first. Mr. Carrington assisted Annis, and then studied the pale face.
"Do you not think I had better accompany you?" he asked solicitously.
"But you were just going in to pay your respects to Mrs. Madison—" declared Patty.
"I shall have four years more to do it in," he returned. "Where is the doctor? Yes, I had better be sure of your safety."
"He is out on business. Really, he is getting to be quite hard-worked. And if you would not mind. I should take it as a favor. Then we can see if Annis is really injured."
He sprang in, and the coachman closed the door.
"It was very funny to take that flying leap, as if I were a bird," and Annis could not forbear laughing. "What did I look like, dropping at your feet? I was so bundled up that I couldn't save myself. There is a bump swelling up on my forehead."
"Lucky if there is nothing worse," responded Patty.
Annis was carried up the steps and deposited on the drawing-room sofa. Patty took off her wraps, and made her stand up and try all her limbs. She began to feel quite natural and over her fright. There was a lump on her forehead, but her hood had protected the skin.