Page:Alice Lauder.pdf/79

But with me it’s out of the question. I must keep up to the last minute.’

“‘Do you think it’s indigestion, perhaps? We had macaroni, you know, for lunch, and I always think Mrs. Mead does make it rather rich, though I never can resist it.’

“‘Indigestion? Oh, dear no! It’s entirely nervous with me. I can feel it coming on exactly the same time as last Tuesday, and I expect it will be worse every attack. But you can’t do anything for me. I must just bear it.’

“‘But perhaps it’s caused by liver or something. They say the liver is the root of all evil.’

“‘Now, my dear Alice, you are quite wrong there. You are just like Henry. Whenever I feel a little depressed he wants me to go for a walk or play tennis, or something violent. All the doctors tell me that repose, complete repose, and freedom from worry is the only thing to restore the system. So just go out, my child, yourself, and call on the good Granbys. It will do you good. I know your constitution requires exercise.’

“‘And what shall I say about you?’

“‘Oh, take my cards—take oceans of cards, and scatter them over the face of the earth. People in these little country places do like to