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. ‘It was all my fault,’ said she; ‘I was vexed at Claude’s being waked, and that made me speak sharply to Phyllis, and set her roaring.’ ‘I do not know which is the most inconsiderate of you,’ said William. ‘You cannot blame me more than I deserve,’ said Lily. ‘May I go to poor Claude?’ ‘I suppose so; but I do not see what good you are to do. Quiet is the only thing for him.’ Lily, however, went, and Claude gave her to understand that he liked her to stay with him. She arranged his blinds and curtains comfortably, and then sat down to watch him. William went to the drawing-room to write a letter. Just as he had sat down he heard a strange noise, a sound of sobbing, which seemed to come from the corner where the library steps stood. Looking behind them, he beheld Phyllis curled up, her head on her knees, crying bitterly. ‘You there! Come out. What is the matter now?’ ‘I am so very sorry,’ sighed she. ‘Well, leave off crying.’ She would willingly have obeyed, but her sobs were beyond her own control; and he went on, ‘If you are sorry, there is no more to be said. I hope it will be a lesson to you another time. You are quite old enough to have more consideration for other people.’ ‘I am very sorry,’ again said Phyllis, in a mournful note. ‘Be sorry, only do not roar. You make that noise from habit, I am convinced, and you may break yourself off it if you choose.’ Phyllis crept out of the room, and in a few minutes more the door was softly opened by Emily, returning from her walk. ‘I thought Claude was here. Is he gone to bed? Is his head worse?’