"What is wrong? Why is the doctor sent for? That child hurt?
Nonsense! Hurt seriously with just a mere slip down a few stairs! I
will never believe it. It is just making a fuss about nothing. Dr. Grey,
we must go to the dinner-party, or what would people say? Phillis, take
Arthur from Mrs. Grey and carry him up to the nursery."

But Arthur screamed, and clung with all his might to his step-mother's
neck.

"He is hurt," said Christian, firmly, "and I can not have him moved.
Hush, Atty! you grieve papa. Be quiet, and nobody shall touch you
but papa and me."

Miss Cascoigne stood mute--then again ordered Phillis to take the
child.

"I won't go! She will beat me again. Please, please;" and he clung
again to his step-mother. "I'll be good--I'll be so good, if you will only
take care of me."

"I will," said Christian. And the desperate instinct of protection, which
some women have toward all helpless things, gleamed in her eyes as
she added, "Miss Gascoigne, you must leave this child to me. I know
what to do with him. Shall it be so, Dr. Grey?"

"Certainly."

With one furious glance at her brother-in-law, Miss Gascoigne turned
and walked out of the room.