The man straightened up from his examination. “Except for some contusion,” he replied, “it apparently is only a leg and a couple of ribs broken.” His voice and manner conveyed the idea that legs and ribs were but canes and corsets. “Take him into the accident ward,” he directed to the orderlies, “and I’ll attend to him presently.”
“I will not have this boy neglected,” Constance said, excitedly and warmly. “Furthermore, I insist that he receive instant treatment, and not wait your convenience.”
Once again Dr. Armstrong began feeling for his glasses, as he asked, “Are you connected with this hospital, Miss Durant?”
“No, but it was my carriage ran over him, and—”
“And is it because you ran over the boy, Miss Durant,” he interrupted, “that you think it is your right to come here and issue instructions for our treatment of him?”
“It is every one’s right to see that assistance is given to an injured person as quickly as possible,” retorted the girl, though flushing, “and to protest if human suffering, perhaps life itself, is made to wait the convenience of one who is paid to save both.”
Finally discovering and adjusting his glasses, Dr. Armstrong eyed Miss Durant with a quality of imperturbability at once irritating and embarrassing. “I beg your pardon for the hasty remark I just made,” he apologised. “Not having my second sight at command, I did not realise I was speaking to so young a girl, and therefore I allowed myself to be offended, which was foolish. If you choose to go with the patient, I trust you will satisfy yourself that no one in this hospital is lacking in duty or kindness.”
With a feeling much akin to that she had formerly suffered at the conclusion of her youthful spankings, Constance followed hurriedly after the orderlies, only too thankful that a reason had been given her permitting an escape from those steady eyes and amused accents, which she was still feeling when the litter was set down beside an empty bed.
“Has dat slob tooken me money for keeps?” whimpered the boy the moment the orderlies had departed.
“No, no,” Constance assured him, her hand in his.