"I say, you two," she said in a disgusted manner. "You'll frighten mother more than ever. Get up, and don't be idiots."
"You're as pale as death yourself," cried Jean hotly.
"Oh--am I," said Elma in almost a pleased voice. She longed to go and see the effect for herself, but the condition of Betty prevented her.
"Well, it's our first shock," she said in an important manner. "I never felt awful like this before."
"I'm sure Cuthbert will die," cried Betty.
"Oh, don't." Elma turned on her fiercely. "Why do you say such dreadful things."
"If you think he will die, Betty, he will die," sobbed Jean.
"Oh, Jean, Jean, do brace up," said Elma. "I don't want to cry, and every minute I'm getting nearer it. Harry says it's just a knock on the ribs, and the navy men don't even go to bed for that."
"Liar," sobbed Betty, "Cuthbert isn't a softy."
"Well, of course, if you want him to be bad, I can't help it," said Elma. "I'm off to see where Mabel is."