“And he was awfully hurt,” interpolated Jinnie. “I couldn’t leave him in the road. I had to get him, didn’t I?”
Theodore King made a movement of surprise.
“Did you notice it in the road?” he asked Miss Merriweather.
The woman was thoroughly angry, so angry she could not guard her tongue.
“Of course I saw him,” she replied haughtily, “but I wouldn’t stop for an old cat; I can tell you that much.” 170
“Miss Grandoken looks ill,” Theodore answered slowly, “and as I am going her way, I think she’d better come with me.”
Molly was about to protest when two strong arms were thrust forth, and Jinnie with the cat was lifted out. Before the girl fully realized what had happened, she was sitting beside her friend, driving homeward. She could hear through her aching brain the chug-chug of Molly’s motor following. It was not until they turned into Paradise Road that Mr. King spoke to her. Then he said gently:
“It was a dreadful risk you took, child.”
“I didn’t think about that,” murmured Jinnie, closing her eyes.
“No, I suppose not. Your heart’s too tender to let anything be abused.... Is the cat dead?”