Just before I called to you his face was all drawn up in pain." This made the sufferer wince.

"That was another twinge," she said promptly.

"What is to be done, Elspeth ?" "I think I could carry him," suggested Corp, with a forward movement that made Tommy stamp his foot--the wooden one.
"I am all right," he told them testily, and looking uneasily at Grizel.
"How brave of you to say so!" said she.
"It is just like him," Elspeth said, pleased with Grizel's remark.
"I am sure it is," Grizel said, so graciously.
It was very naughty of her.

Had she given him a chance he would have explained that it was all a mistake of Grizel's.

That had been his intention; but now a devil entered into Tommy and spoke for him.
"I must have slipped and sprained my ankle," he said.