"I think usually the best cure lies in removing the cause of the disease."
"What is the cause?"
"It is different, of course, in different cases. As often as any way, perhaps oftener, it arises from too much thinking about ourselves."
"I don't think I am so very self-conceited," said Marion, in an offended tone.
"I did not use the word 'self-conceited,' I believe, my dear. There are different ways of thinking about ourselves, and I was going to say that they are almost all equally bad. That would be going too far, but I do think the true remedy for over-sensitiveness is self-forgetfulness."
"I don't see how one would go to work to forget one's self."
"In various ways. Instead of thinking what others ought to do for you, busy yourself in thinking what you ought to do for them. Instead of dwelling on your own feelings, put them aside and try to enter into the pursuits of other people. In short, to sum up all in a little, 'Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.' 'For even Christ pleased not himself.' See, here is Uncle Duncan coming to meet us, and he looks as if he had good news. I hope poor Therese is better. Well, Duncan?"
"Therese has opened her eyes and spoken," said Doctor Campbell. "She is quite rational; and if we can only tide her over the dangerous time, she will do well."
"What do you mean by the 'dangerous time,' Uncle Duncan?" asked Marion.
"The time when she shall begin to remember," answered Doctor Campbell. "Barbara is sitting with her; and, Marion, my dear, you must try to do up the work and attend to everything about the house, so as to leave your aunt at liberty to sit with Therese."