"I have been so worried about this child," said Lady Canning, taking Indiana’s outstretched hands, when she had greeted the others very graciously. "I wanted to see you last night, dear, but Thurston wouldn’t let me. Are you sure you feel quite well again?" She seated herself, drawing Indiana to her side and looking anxiously in her face. "Splendid," replied Indiana, sinking down on her knees and putting her arm about Lady Canning’s waist. "It was a bad spell—while it lasted, but when it passes off I always feel better. I won’t have another for a long time—I hope never." She peeped slyly under her eyelashes at Thurston. "A bad spell is good for something—it makes me realize how much everybody loves me, and how much I love everybody—and I do love you, dear Lady Canning." "Darling!" murmured Lady Canning, quite overcome, pressing Indiana’s head to her breast. "There now, who can resist Indiana," said Mrs. Stillwater. "Darling, your husband says you are going to Paris with us." "Am I?" asked Indiana, in a surprised voice. She turned to Lady Canning. "I want you to scold Thurston, dear. He’s too good. He’s given in, because they’re dying for me to go to Paris with them. But I wouldn’t think of such a thing. I wouldn’t leave him—or you, dear Lady Canning." "Oh, Indy!" exclaimed Mrs. Stillwater, in a hurt and jealous tone. "Indiana," said Stillwater, watching her face, "Thurston says you can home with us, if you like, while he’s on his trip." "What trip?" asked Indiana, quickly. "Is it possible you have not given up that idea, Thurston?" questioned Lady Canning, severely. She turned apologetically to Mrs. Stillwater. "He always had an insane desire to go to the North Pole, but I thought marriage had cured him of it. Indiana, put your foot down on that idea, once and for all." "I put my foot down!" exclaimed Indiana. "Oh dear no—he’s the master. But let us hope he will think better of it." She folded her hands severely, bearing with the highest degree of equanimity the astonished looks of her family. Thurston, who at first could scarcely give credence to what he heard, concluded she was playing the hypocrite in order to win sympathy for herself, and at the same time divert it from him, putting him in the character of a heartless husband. "That little monkey’s playing for something," thought Mrs. Bunker, "and she’ll win her game, as sure as I’m her grandmother. Well, Indiana, it’s settled, then, that you’re not going to Paris with us." "Grandma Chazy, I’m a married woman," answered Indiana, with an offended air, "I can’t be running about like a young girl." Lady Canning nodded approvingly. "I must get out of this," exclaimed Mrs. Bunker, desperately. "I feel choked for air. We’re going to do some shopping. Indiana, do you want to come?"