"Why, Katherine—"
"Don't," she said. "Don't call me that."
The officers glanced at Graham with frank bewilderment. Rawlins's materialistic mind didn't hesitate to express its first thought:
"Must say, I always thought you were sweet on the lady."
"Hartley!" Bobby said. "You have been fair to us?"
"I don't know why she attacks me," Graham muttered.
His face recorded a genuine pain. His words, Bobby felt, overcame a barrier of emotion.
They heard Paredes and Doctor Groom on the stairs.
"What's this?" the doctor rumbled as he came up.
"I—I'm sorry I forgot myself," Katherine said through her chattering teeth. She turned to Robinson. "I am going to my room. You needn't be afraid. I shan't leave it until you come to take me."