Startled at the burst of cheering which followed shortly after the conclusion of the prayer, the babe broke into loud crying. Vainly the weary mother sought to quiet her child, she herself well-nigh exhausted with her march, being hardly able to stand erect. Swiftly Adrien sprang from the car and ran out to her.
“Let me carry the babe,” she cried, taking the child in her arms. “Come into the car with me.”
“No,” said the woman fiercely. “I will go through with it.” But even as she spoke she swayed upon her feet.
With gentle insistence, however, Adrien caught her arm and forced her toward the car.
“I will not leave them,” said the woman stubbornly.
“Speak to her, Annette,” said Adrien. “She cannot walk.”
“Mrs. Egan,” said Annette, coming to her, “it will be quite all right to go in the car. It will be all the better. Think of the fine parade it will make.”
But, still protesting, the old woman hung back, crying, “Let me go! I will go through!”
“Sure thing!” cried Patricia. “We will take you along. Where's Rupert?”
But Rupert, furious and disgusted, hung back in the shadow.