Aunt Truth entered speedily, with a family medical guide under one
arm, and a box of remedies under the other.

'The doctor has told me just what to do, and he will see you after
breakfast himself. It doesn't look so very bad a case, dear; don't
run about in the sun for a day or two, and we'll bring you out all
right. The doctor has had us all under treatment at some time or
other, because of that troublesome little plant.'

'I don't want to get up to breakfast,' moaned Laura.

'Just as you like. But it is Polly's birthday, you know (many happy
returns, my sweet Pollykins), and there are great preparations going
on.'

'I can't help it, Mrs. Winship. The boys would make fun of my looks;
and I shouldn't blame them.'

'Appear as the Veiled Lady,' suggested Margery, as Mrs. Winship went
out.

'I won't come, and that's the end of it,' said Laura. 'Perhaps if I
bathe my face all the morning I can come to dinner.'

After breakfast was cleared away, Hop Yet and Mrs. Howard's little
China boy Gin were given a half-holiday, and allowed to go to a--
neighbouring ranch to see a 'flend' of Hop Yet's; for it was a part
of the birthday scheme that Bell and Geoffrey should cook the
festival dinner.