Patricia could eat anything, and any amount of food without any ill effect, but Arabella was really sick when the hour for dinner arrived.
When Mrs. Marvin questioned Patricia, she said that Arabella had a headache, and that she had said that she was not hungry.
Mrs. Marvin sent a waitress up to their room with some toast and tea for Arabella. Arabella barely tasted it, and the girl returned to report that Miss Arabella looked sick, and really could not eat.
The next day found her much like her usual self, and Patricia proposed a walk.
"I'll go with you in a minute," said Arabella.
"What are you waiting for?" snapped Patricia. She turned, and saw that Arabella was shaking some green pills from a bottle.
"It's hard work trying to mind two people who say different things," complained Arabella. "Aunt Matilda told me to take these green pills every hour, wherever I happen to be, and Mrs. Marvin says I must not be continually taking medicine in the class-room. How can I do both?"
"Don't take it at all!" cried Patricia.
"But my health—"
"Oh, bother your health," said Patricia. "I should think you'd be sick of hearing about it."