Bless his heart--of course he didn't want me to play when he was so busy!" Billy went straight to the studio, but Bertram was not there.

Neither was he in William's room, nor anywhere in the house.

Down-stairs in the dining-room Pete was found looking rather white, leaning back in a chair.

He struggled at once to his feet, however, as his mistress entered the room.
Billy hurried forward with a startled exclamation.
"Why, Pete, what is it?
Are you sick ?" she cried, her glance encompassing the half-set table.
"No, ma'am; oh, no, ma'am!" The old man stumbled forward and began to arrange the knives and forks.

"It's just a pesky pain--beggin' yer pardon--in my side.