Reginald, Phyllis, and Ada, all stood there laughing. Reginald and Phyllis had been climbing to the top of a great wardrobe, by means of a ladder of chairs and tables. While Phyllis was descending her brother had made some demonstration that startled her, and she fell with all the chairs over her, but without hurting herself.
‘You naughty troublesome child,’ cried Lily, in no gentle tone. ‘How often have you been told to leave off such boyish tricks! And you choose the very place for disturbing poor Claude, with his bad headache, making it worse than ever.’
Phyllis tried to speak, but only succeeded in giving a dismal howl. She went on screaming, sobbing, and roaring so loud that she could not hear Lily’s attempts to quiet her. The next minute Claude appeared, looking half distracted. Reginald ran off, and as he dashed out of the room, came full against William, who caught hold of him, calling out to know what was the matter.
‘Only Phyllis screaming,’ said Lily. ‘Oh, Claude, I am very sorry!’
‘Is that all?’ said Claude. ‘I thought some one was half killed!’
He sank into a chair, pressing his hand on his temples, and looking very faint. William supported him, and Lily stood by, repeating, ‘I am very sorry—it was all my fault—my scolding—’
‘Hush,’ said William, ‘you have done mischief enough. Go away, children.’
Phyllis had already gone, and the next moment thrust into Lily’s hand the first of the medicaments which she had found in the drawing-room. The faintness soon went off, but Claude thought he had better not struggle against the headache any longer, but go to bed, in hopes of being better the next day. William went with him to his room, and Lilias lingered on the stairs, very humble, and very wretched. William soon came forth again, and asked the meaning of the uproar.
‘It was all my fault,’ said she; ‘I was vexed at Claude’s being waked, and that made me speak sharply to Phyllis, and set her roaring.’
‘I do not know which is the most inconsiderate of you,’ said William.