The ‘you’ clearly meant herself and Iris. Janet looked regretful.

“What a shame we can’t go; it would have been convenient.”

Iris examined the drawing with her head on one side.

“It’s no good hoping. Gladys always says twenty-four hours in bed about everything.”

Janet felt puzzlingly disappointed. She knew she ought to be glad to be spared the drive with Donald, who would probably be rude, but instead she felt like a child who watches its mother refusing on its behalf an invitation to a party.

“It would have been awfully handy,” she said. “I want such a lot of things.”

“And there might have been time to go to the toy department and have tea in a shop.” Iris’ voice was resigned. “But these things are sent to try our spirit.”

Donald laughed.

“I recognize Mrs. Honeywell’s quotation, but it’s trying Janet’s spirit more than yours, I believe.”

“It’s tiresome having nothing in the way of books and things,” Janet explained.

“Well . . .” Donald started, and then broke off as Gladys, carrying a glass of barley water, came in.

“You here, Donald! I should have thought you’d be too busy to sit about in the morning.”

Donald got up.

“I am, too, but I had to see how Iris was. Besides, I have to go into town this afternoon, and I thought I’d take Janet and Iris along with me.”

Gladys put down the glass on the table by the bed.

“Out of the question. Iris will stop where she is for twenty-four hours at least. I’ve nursed her through one bad illness and I don’t want to nurse her through another, thank you.”

“As a matter of fact, Gladys,” Iris broke in, “I’m not feeling at all like measles. It was only a little sick I felt, and I wouldn’t have told you except I had to have the basin in case. I don’t feel so well since you did me good, but that’ll be better when it’s worked. It’s going round and round just now.”

Gladys tidied the child’s sheets and pillow.

“Anyway, you’re staying where you are.”

“I don’t see why Janet shouldn’t go and get my lesson things with Daddy,” Iris suggested. “I’ll miss her, of course, but I’ll read a book.”

Gladys spoke sharply.

“I’ve no time to wait on you this afternoon. I’m rushed off my feet.”

“Nobody doesn’t have to wait on me. I’ll read a book. Mrs. Honeywell will look in; she always does if I’m in bed.”

“Mrs. Honeywell’s leaving early this afternoon.” Gladys turned to Donald. “It’s out of the question.”

“Now he’ll crawl,” thought Janet, “and agree with her at once.” But Donald did not seem to notice Gladys’ tone.