“You mustn't mind Jim,” the clown pleaded at the pastor's elbow. “You see pain gets some folks different from others; and it always kinder makes him savage.”
“Oh, that's all right,” Douglas answered, quickly. His own life had been so lonely, that he could understand the selfish yearning in the big man's heart. “You must do what you think best about these things; Mandy and I will look after the rest.”
Jim hung his head, feeling somehow that the pastor had seen straight into his heart and discovered his petty weakness. He was about to turn toward the door when it was thrown open by Barker.
“Where is she?” shouted the manager, looking from one to the other.
“She can't come,” said Jim in a low, steady voice, for he knew the storm of opposition with which Barker would meet the announcement.
“Can't come?” shrieked Barker. “Of course she'll come. I can't get along without her. She's GOT to come.” He looked at Jim, who remained silent and firm. “WHY ain't she comin'?” he asked, feeling himself already defeated.
“She's hurt bad,” was Jim's laconic reply.
“The devil she is!” said Barker, looking at Douglas for confirmation. “Is that right?”
“She won't be able to travel for some time,” said Douglas.
“Mr. Barker is our manager,” Toby explained, as he edged his way to the pastor's side.