Louis's interference, pleasure at his protecting care, annoyance at what he
considered gross negligence on the doctor's part, and a sneaking pride, in
defiance of his insinuations, over the thought that Kemp had trusted to her
womanliness as a safeguard against any chance annoyance. She also felt
ashamed at having showed temper.

"Louis," she ventured finally, rubbing her shoulder against his, as gentle
animals conciliate their mates, "I am sorry I spoke so harshly; but it
exasperates me to hear you cast slurs, as you have done before, upon Dr.
Kemp in his absence."

"Why should it, my dear, since it give you a chance to uphold him?"

There is a way of saying "my dear" that is as mortifying as a slap in the
face.

The dark blood surged over the girl's cheeks. She drew a long, hard
breath, and then said in a low voice, --

"I think we will not quarrel, Louis. Will you get off at the next corner
with me? I have a prescription to be made up at the drug-store."

"Certainly."

If Arnold had showed anger, he was man enough not to be ashamed of it; this
is one of man's many lordly rights.


Chapter VII