Mr. and Mrs. Cold had a wonderful time — though not in any way most people would recognize as wonderful.
When most people have a good time it means picnics, parties, music, or a book by the fire. Mr. and Mrs. Cold had a different idea of fun entirely.
Their children were notorious. Sadie Sneeze had the worst disposition imaginable. Charlie Cough liked to hurt people. Hatty Headache loved to make them miserable. Susy Sore Throat was always ready to join in. Even their relatives — Aunt Grippe and Uncle Bronchitis — were horrid in exactly the same way.
“Let’s go visiting,” said Mrs. Cold.
“All right!” said the children, who were always eager for travel.
“I’ve thought of just the girl,” said Mrs. Cold. “Little Annette. She’s wonderfully nice.”
The children cheered. That was the whole point: the Cold family especially loved to trouble nice people.
They packed their suitcases — Sadie Sneeze’s best frocks, Charlie Cough’s extra neckties, Hatty Headache’s hair ribbons, Susy Sore Throat’s collars (all mean-looking, naturally) — and set off.
“Please go away,” said Annette when they arrived. “I didn’t invite you. I have a lovely father and mother and two brothers, and I don’t want any extra visitors. Please leave.”
The Cold family stayed. They always stayed where they weren’t wanted. That was half the fun.
But news reached the Dream King, who hurried to the Fairy Queen.
“Did you hear? The Cold family is tormenting little Annette.”
“I know Annette,” said the Fairy Queen. “Just like that horrid family to go after someone so nice. We’ll put a stop to this at once.”
That night, while Annette slept, the Fairy Queen’s assistants arrived. They gave the Cold family a very firm talking-to and waved their wands until the whole wretched lot was driven away.
And the Dream King sent the very finest dreams drifting down to Annette as she got well — a whole package of them. He even made up a small poem:
Annette is so nice, Annette is so sweet,
Just Annette herself is a great big treat!
