She would not allow a doctor to see it; there remained only the suggestion of Dr.Callandar that it be inspected without her consent.

Esther knew where the prescription was kept, but-- Women are supposed, by men, to have a defective sense of loyalty and it is a belief fairly well established, also among men, that there is a fundamental difference in the attitude of the sexes to that high thing called honour.

Esther was both loyal and honourable.

To deceive her step-mother, however good the motive, could not but be horrible to her and just now, being angry with a very young and healthy anger, she was less willing than ever to lose her own self-respect in the service of Mary Coombe.
"I won't!" said Esther firmly, and went in to prepare Aunt Amy's supper.
"I don't feel like I ought to be eating upstairs this way," fussed the invalid as Esther came in with the tray.

"I am so much better.