Orion pressed his lips very tightly together.
"You'll take the medicine for me, Orion?" said Iris.
"No, I can't," he moaned.
"Oh, but, darling! just try and think. Remember you are a giant—a grand, great giant, with your girdle and your sword, and this medicine is just an enemy that you have got to conquer. Here now; open your mouth and get it down. Think of mother, Orion. She would like you to take it."
Orion still kept his mouth very firmly shut, but he opened his sweet, dark eyes and looked full at his sister.
"Would mother really like it?" he said at last, in a whisper.
"Of course; it would make her ever so happy."
"And will she know about it, Iris?"
"I think she will. Maybe she is in the room with us just now."
"Oh, lor'! what awful talk to say to the child," murmured Simpson to herself.