It appeared as if poor Phyllis was to be punished for the vexation which she had caused, for in the course of her adventures with Reginald she caught a cold, which threatened to prevent her from being of the party on Twelfth-Day.  She had a cough, which did not give her by any means as much inconvenience as the noise it occasioned did to other people.  Every morning and every evening she anxiously asked her sisters whether they thought she would be allowed to go.  Another of the party seemed likely to fail.  On the 5th of January Claude came down to breakfast later even than usual; but he had no occasion to make excuses, for his heavy eyes, the dark lines under them, his pale cheeks, and the very sit of his hair, were sure signs that he had a violent headache.  He soon betook himself to the sofa in the drawing-room, attended by Lily, with pillows, cushions, ether, and lavender.  Late in the afternoon the pain diminished a little, and he fell asleep, to the great joy of his sister, who sat watching him, scarcely daring to move.

Suddenly a frightful scream and loud crash was heard in the room above them.  Claude started up, and Lily, exclaiming, ’Those tiresome children!’ hurried to the room whence the noise had come.

Reginald, Phyllis, and Ada, all stood there laughing.  Reginald and Phyllis had been climbing to the top of a great wardrobe, by means of a ladder of chairs and tables.  While Phyllis was descending her brother had made some demonstration that startled her, and she fell with all the chairs over her, but without hurting herself.

‘You naughty troublesome child,’ cried Lily, in no gentle tone.  ’How often have you been told to leave off such boyish tricks!  And you choose the very place for disturbing poor Claude, with his bad headache, making it worse than ever.’

Phyllis tried to speak, but only succeeded in giving a dismal howl.  She went on screaming, sobbing, and roaring so loud that she could not hear Lily’s attempts to quiet her.  The next minute Claude appeared, looking half distracted.  Reginald ran off, and as he dashed out of the room, came full against William, who caught hold of him, calling out to know what was the matter.

‘Only Phyllis screaming,’ said Lily.  ‘Oh, Claude, I am very sorry!’

‘Is that all?’ said Claude.  ‘I thought some one was half killed!’

He sank into a chair, pressing his hand on his temples, and looking very faint.  William supported him, and Lily stood by, repeating, ’I am very sorry—­it was all my fault—­my scolding—­’

‘Hush,’ said William, ’you have done mischief enough.  Go away, children.’

Phyllis had already gone, and the next moment thrust into Lily’s hand the first of the medicaments which she had found in the drawing-room.  The faintness soon went off, but Claude thought he had better not struggle against the headache any longer, but go to bed, in hopes of being better the next day.  William went with him to his room, and Lilias lingered on the stairs, very humble, and very wretched.  William soon came forth again, and asked the meaning of the uproar.