"Well, I hope you won't take me off on any old wishing carpet and put me down in a damp, horrid place and give me tonsilitis."
"Who has tonsilitis?"
"Nancy, of course, and you gave it to her, you bad thing."
Tonsilitis! He remembered now the damp rug and also certain sniffles that had required, from time to time on the homeward trip, the administration of a diminutive handkerchief with a pretty "N" embroidered, he knew, in the corner. So that is the way he would look after her!
"What can I do about it?" It was true that Mrs. Norris was taking it very calmly.
"Do? Why, you can't do anything but wait until she gets over it. You might go and see her when she begins to pick up."
"I caught cold myself." He had at least been true to that extent.
"Are you doing anything for it? Remind me when you go, and I'll give you some Squim. It's something new, and it did wonders for Mary."
"Don't you think it might be nice for me to send Nancy some?" asked Tom, laughing. Tonsilitis was seldom fatal, after all; and what an excellent excuse to visit her it would be when she was getting better!
"Tommy, dear, haven't you something to tell me?"