"People aren't as big fools as they used to be, mamma.

They don't believe nowadays everything that's told them.

There isn't anybody that doesn't know I'm never sick.

No--we'll have to----" She reflected a moment, pausing halfway down the stairs, while her mother watched her swollen and tear-stained face.
"We might send Susan away for the evening," suggested the mother.
"Yes," assented the daughter.

"Papa could take her with him for a drive to North Sutherland--to see the Provosts.