“It is quite true, Mr North,” said Mary, smiling.
“There, sir, you hear. Then you don’t take enough exercise.”
“Indeed, but I do. I spend half my time going about.”
“Visiting the poor,” cried the doctor. “Harassing yourself with other folks’ troubles, and listening to endless stories of worry.”
“Yes, Mr North, quite true.”
“What nonsense, Mary!” cried the curate piteously. “I must do my duty.”
“Of course, my dear sir, so do it; but don’t overdo it. Recipe—”
“I won’t take it,” said the curate.
“Miss Salis here shall make you, sir. Recipe: ‘One good cigar or two pipes of bird’s-eye per diem, and three hours to be spent in gardening or fishing every day.’”
Mary’s eyes brightened in forgetfulness of her own trouble as she rejoiced in the advice given to her brother.