"Brother Max," he queried, "won't you ever have to obey papa any more?"
"Yes, little brother," returned Max, looking slightly amused, "I consider it my duty to obey papa now whenever it pleases him to give me an order; and that it will be my duty as long as he and I both live."
"And you mean to do it?"
"Yes, indeed."
"So do I," returned Ned with great decision. "And I think all our sisters do too; because the Bible tells us to; and besides papa knows best about everything."
"Very true, Ned; and I hope none of us will ever forget that or fail to obey his orders or wishes or to follow his advice."
CHAPTER XVI.
Dr. Percival had so far recovered as to be considered able to lie in a hammock upon an upper veranda where he could look out upon the beauties of the lawn, the bayou, and the fields and woods beyond. Dr. Harold Travilla was still in attendance and seldom left him for any great length of time, never alone, seldom with only the nurse—Maud, one of Dick's sisters, or some other relative being always near at hand, ready to wait upon him, chat pleasantly for his entertainment, or remain silent as seemed best to suit his mood at the moment.
He was very patient, cheerful, and easily entertained, but did not usually talk very much himself.
One day he and Harold were alone for a time. Both had been silent for some moments when Dick, turning an affectionate look upon his cousin, said in grateful tones, "How very good, kind, and attentive you have been to me, Harold. I think that but for you and the other two doctors—Cousins Arthur and Herbert—I should now be lying under the sod; and I must acknowledge that you are a most excellent physician and surgeon," he added with an appreciative smile and holding out his hand.