So stupid of me!" impatiently; "but I thought perhaps it would pass off
after a little."

"And has it?" asked Clover, pulling off her gloves and taking Imogen's
hand. It was chilly rather than hot, but the pulse seemed weak and
quick. Clover began to feel anxious, but did her best to hide it under a
cheerful demeanor lest she should startle Imogen.

"Were you quite well yesterday?" she asked.

"Yes,--that is, I wasn't ill. I had no headache then, but I think I
haven't been quite right for some time back, and I tried to do some
raspberries and felt very tired. I dare say it's only getting
acclimated. I'm really very strong. Nothing ever was the matter with me
at home."

"Now," said Clover, brightly, "I'll tell you what you are going to do;
and that is to put on your wrapper, make yourself comfortable, and take
a long sleep. I have come to spend the day, and I will give Lion his
luncheon and see to everything if only you will lie still. A good rest
would make you feel better, I am sure."

"Perhaps so," said Imogen, doubtfully. She was too miserable to object,
and with a docility foreign to her character submitted to be undressed,
to have her hair brushed and knotted up, and a bandage of cold water and
eau de cologne laid on her forehead. This passive compliance was so
unlike her that Clover felt her anxieties increase. "Matters must be
serious," she reflected, "when Imogen Young agrees meekly to any
proposal from anybody."

She settled her comfortably, shook up the pillows, darkened the window,
threw a light shawl over her, and sat beside the bed fanning gently till
Imogen fell into a troubled sleep. Then she stole softly away and busied
herself in washing the breakfast things and putting the rooms to rights.
The young mistress of the house had evidently felt unequal to her usual
tasks, and everything was left standing just as it was.

Clover was recalled by a cry from the bedroom, and hurried back to find
Imogen sitting up, looking confused and startled.

"What is it? Is anything the matter?" she demanded. Then, before Clover
could reply, she came to herself and understood.

"Oh, it is you," she said. "What a comfort! I thought you were gone
away."

"No, indeed, I have no idea of going away. I was just in the other room,
straightening things out a little. It was settled that I was to stay to
lunch and keep Lionel company, you remember."

"Ah, yes. It is very good of you, but I'm afraid there isn't much for