“My pet, don’t tell me! You are crying!”

“I⁠—I’m n-not!” avowed Diana, hunting wildly for her pocket-handkerchief. “ ’Tis a cold in the head I have had these three days.”

“Indeed, my love? Longer than that, I fear.”

“Yes⁠—perhaps so⁠—I⁠—What do you mean?”

“I doubt but what you caught it the day that Mr. Carr left us.”

Diana started.

“P-pray, do not be ridiculous, auntie!”

“No, my dear. Come and sit beside me and tell me all about it,” coaxed Miss Betty.

Diana hesitated, gave a damp sniff, and obeyed.