'Here we are back again,' said Jasmine. 'Haven't you a word of welcome for us, Holly?'
'Why should I?' replied Hollyhock. 'I 'm suffering from a reeling head, and can't stand any noise at all.'
'Dear, dear!' exclaimed Gentian.
'I don't want any of your fondling,' said Hollyhock in an angry tone, for was not Gentian the girl whom the beautiful blue-eyed boy had paid so much attention to?
'Whatever have I done?' said Gentian in amazement.
'Oh, I'll leave it to your conscience. I'm not going to enlighten you.'
'Dear, dear, what can the matter be?' said Delphy.
'Don't talk so loud. Keep your school manners for your school,' said Hollyhock.
'Dear, deary me!' cried Jasmine in an anxious tone, 'I think we ought to get the doctor to see her. There's Dr Maguire, and Duncan will fetch him. He 'll soon put you right, Hollyhock.'
'He won't, for I won't see him,' said Hollyhock. 'Don't you bring him to this room. I suppose, if I am faithful to my own Daddy Dumps, and my own dear home, I may at least have my own way with regard to a doctor. I 'm not ill exactly, but I 'm reeling in the head, and no one can force me to have a doctor except Daddy Dumps, and he's away with Lord Ian at Dundree until dinner-time.'