"I want you to promise me that you will take more exercise!" Martin said.
"Why, certainly, David, but I thought you wanted me to—to rest."
"I do—but you are rested. I do not want you to enjoy resting. It's dangerous."
"Oh! bully for you, Uncle David," Joan broke in, delightedly, "Aunt Dorrie is just plain flopping and Nan and Mary are abetting her."
For some reason Martin turned to Joan, not Nancy who was standing patiently by.
"Joan, get your aunt on horseback—lead up to it, of course—and go slow."
"But—Uncle David——" Nancy drew near. Her kingdom was threatened.
"My dear," Martin always melted to Nancy, "after Joan gets her on horseback, you ride with her."
And so Doris got off her couch, rather dazedly, as one thinking his legs have been shot off finds them still attached to him.
She had been actually letting go! She, of all people, and just when there was so much to do—so long as she had strength to do it!