“That will not matter much to us,” said Mrs. Frederick majestically. “He is not our doctor. I would not” — here she looked or seemed to look accusingly right through Valancy — ”have him to doctor a sick cat.”

“May I go upstairs and lie down?” said Valancy faintly. “I — I have a headache.”

“What has given you a headache?” asked Cousin Stickles, since Mrs. Frederick would not. The question has to be asked. Valancy could not be allowed to have headaches without interference.

“You ain’t in the habit of having headaches. I hope you’re not taking the mumps. Here, try a spoonful of vinegar.”

“Piffle!”