She tried to smile as she glanced down at her ruined dress.
"A few dollars will make it all right, and that doesn't matter," she returned evasively, but with lips that quivered in spite of her effort at self-control.
"You were badly frightened, poor child! but it is over," he gently observed, the tense lines of his face softening in a reassuring smile.
Then, seeing that she was keeping her right hand out of sight, he reached down and drew it forward into the light.
"Miss Minturn!" he exclaimed, as he saw the reddened flesh and three great blisters, "you did it beating out the fire to save Dorothy. Come with me and I will dress it immediately."
"No," she said, setting her teeth resolutely; "go to her; I shall do very well. Go!" she repeated, almost sharply, "for I saw that she had fainted when Alice took her."
His brow contracted, and for an instant he seemed on the point of insisting upon taking care of her first.
Then he drew forth his handkerchief and folded it gently about her hand, saying:
"Well, if I must; but go you directly to your room and I will come to you as soon as I can."
Katherine could bear no more, and, turning abruptly from him, sped from the place.