Nina was very poorly the next day and was forced to stay in bed. She could not eat any of the good things which had been provided for breakfast, and thought of herself as a much abused little martyr.
Brenda’s conduct to this naughty, greedy child was all that was exemplary. She gave her proper medicines and saw that her bedroom was made comfortable, and came in and out of the room like a ministering angel—as Mr Amberley said.
Soon after noon, Nina was better, and as she had not the slightest idea what had taken place between Fanchon and her governess the night before, she said somewhat rudely to that pretty young woman, who was hemming some of the Reverend Josiah’s handkerchiefs as she sat by the bedside:
“Do go away please, Brenda, and send Fanchon to me.”
Brenda gave an angelic smile and immediately complied. A few minutes later Fanchon entered the room accompanied by Josephine.
“Oh, you are better, are you?” said Fanchon, regarding her younger sister with small favour. “Well—I hope you have received your lesson and won’t eat unlimited plum cake again, and finish off with lobster and crabs.”
“I hate l-lobsters and crabs!” moaned the victim. “They make me so s-sick—horrid things!”
“Well, you’re better now, so forget about them,” said Fanchon.
“Yes—I am better; she—the cat—she says that I am to have gruel for dinner! I don’t want it—horrid thing!”
“Serves you right, say I!” cried Fanchon.