“I cannot imagine where the tutors are,” exclaimed the man, who was Arthur’s physician, F. Benton, M. D.
The others had gathered curiously around her and Billie felt that she was the center of an embarrassing episode. She wished that some one would defend her, and she was grateful to Mr. Kalisch for breaking into the conversation.
“If you blame any one, blame me and not a young girl,” said Telemac. “I am entirely responsible for the game.” The doctor gave him a contemptuous glance. “I do not agree with you. The individual you speak of, who shall be nameless, is not troubled with a disease in any way. He was perfectly well a moment ago. If you wish to make him the victim of any such absurd notions, you must have extremely good reasons of your own.”
The two men eyed each other coldly. Then Billie, who had been so brutally treated, was emboldened to speak.
“Little Arthur is perfectly well. Look at him. His cheeks are bright and he is happier than he has been since the ship sailed.”
“On the contrary, young woman——”
“Young woman, indeed!” exclaimed Nancy.
The idea of addressing her friend as “young woman.” It made her blood boil!
“—the color in his cheeks is an unnatural flush caused by over-excitement. The person I speak of suffers from valvular heart trouble, and if the blood is pumped too fast, I could not answer for his life. Violent exercise is one of the things forbidden him, and it remains for a party of Americans to draw him into this dangerous and absurd game. I have charge of this boy and I forbid you to speak to him again. How do you feel, child? A little weak, here, eh?” he continued, placing his hand on the left side, over his heart.
“No, here,” said Arthur irritably, placing his hand on the right side.