'Going to bed with a bad headache,' was the answer, with which Daisy had sense enough not to interfere; and the sailor had been brought into the drawing-room, examined on his journey, and offered supper, before he returned to the charge.
'Nothing really the matter with Mary, I hope?'
'Oh! no—nothing.'
'Can't I go up and see her?'
'Not just at present,' said Ethel. 'I will see how she is when she is in bed, but if she is going to sleep, we had better not disturb her.'
'Harry thinks she must sleep better for the sight of him,' said the Doctor; 'but it is a melancholy business.—Harry, your nose is out of joint.'
'Who is it?' said Harry, gravely.
'Ah! you have chosen a bad time to come home. We shall know no comfort till it is over.'
'Who?' cried Harry; 'no nonsense, Gertrude, I can't stand guessing.'
This was directed to Gertrude, who was only offending by pursed lips and twinkling eyes, because he could not fall foul of his father. Dr. May took pity, and answered at once.