"There ought to be a great deal," she said, smiling faintly. She was startled at the change in the boy, at his pallor and at the listlessness which pervaded his whole being.
"But Dr. McAlister has told you."
"Yes; but not all." She paused expectantly.
He misunderstood the pause. As if goaded to desperation, he turned on her.
"Are you going back on me, too, Mrs. McAlister? I thought you would stand my friend."
"I do."
"But you doubt my word?"
She was silent, unable to say yes or no.
He changed the form of his question.
"Do you believe me?"