what dreadful things you say! Well, stick it in, and then
tell me the news that none of the others know.'

The thermometer was inserted. Hollyhock's temperature was perfectly
normal, and she was then questioned with regard to her throat and her
health generally. In the end Aunt Cecilia pronounced the girl quite
well, and desired her to get up and dress.

'But I--the reeling in my head,' said Hollyhock.

'That will pass, after you have had a nice warm bath and put on one of
your pretty frocks.'

'Oh, but, auntie, I do want to hear the news.'

'You shall hear it after you are dressed. I don't tell exciting news
to little girls who lie in bed. The effect might be bad for them and
bring on fever.'

'Oh, auntie, I don't want the servants to come near me.'

'They needn't, child. I'll turn on the hot water in the bath, and then
help you to put on your prettiest dress. Why, Jasper is just pining to
see you. Now, then, no more talk. The hours are passing, and quick 's
the word.'

'Auntie, you have a nice way of saying things.'

'I 'm glad you think so, child.'

'Although you are only a governess at that horrid Ardshiel.'

Mrs Constable was silent.

In a very short time Hollyhock had had her bath. She dressed
luxuriously by the fire in her bedroom, Aunt Cecilia brushing out her
masses of black hair and fastening it back with a large crimson bow.
Aunt Cecilia chose a very pretty dress of softest gray for the little
maid, and then, when the last touch connected with the toilet had been
given, there came a mysterious knock at the door.

'Who can that be?' said Hollyhock, who felt discontented once again.

'Only some one bringing a little food, dear, which I have ordered for
you. You need not see the person who brings it. I will fetch it
myself.'

Accordingly, tea in a lovely old Queen Anne teapot, accompanied by
cream and sugar, hot buttered toast, and an egg, new laid and very
lightly boiled, was placed before Hollyhock.

'But I haven't touched food for nearly twenty-four hours,' said the
wilful child.

'Which accounts for the reeling in your head, my love. Now, then, set
to work and eat.'

'But your news, auntie--your news.'

'After you have eaten, my child--after you have finished all the
contents of this little tray, but not before.'

Hollyhock suddenly found herself furiously hungry. She attacked the
toast and egg, and wondered at the sunshiny feeling which had crept
into her heart.