"I sort of felt it coming on some days," I added, quite convinced in my own mind it had been so.
To my astonishment, the good lady expressed neither surprise nor sympathy.

"Fiddlesticks!" said she.

"Come, get up!" "Get up ?" I cried, in astonishment.

"I can't possibly, Mrs Nash.

I tried just now, and couldn't stand!" "Stuff and nonsense! You ought to be ashamed of yourself going and fighting with a parcel of young roughs over night, and then shamming illness in the morning because you daren't show your black eyes to the governors! Come, you don't get round me with any of your nonsense! Up you get, or I'll start and sweep out the room before you're dressed!" It was in vain I protested and pleaded.