But Martha had recoiled, moaning: "Don't let that man touch me! That man caught hold of my arm, mother!"
And the moment the manager entered, Emily spoke to him composedly.
"I'm taking this child to my room. She isn't well. I must put her to bed."
"I'm sorry, madame; you can't take her to the ninth floor—not in that condition."
How could he see her condition, when she was hidden behind her mother? Emily was annoyed. She controlled her voice.
"Can we have another room at once, then, lower down?"
"No, madame; we have no empty room."
"What do you mean? Can't we have a room?"
"No, madame; we're full."
"You mean you want us to leave?"