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A Plethora of Happiness.
97

"But do you suffer? Are you really ill?"

"Of course, certainly! and I have such headaches! everything gives me a headache, and I am wretchedly low spirited!"

"Low spirited! why, you have everything to make you happy, have you not?"

"Yes, everything, I believe, everything in the world!" and she sighed heavily.

"Perhaps you do not take exercise enough. Do you walk out, or ride out every day, and move about, and occupy yourself with the household matters, and with the little ones?"

"I have not the strength for all that, besides it is not needful. The nurses look after the children and are devoted to them. I have admirable servants, they take charge of the household. As for walking, I don't walk; what's the use of walking, when one can drive? I don't ride because it's too conspicuous; but I drive out when the weather is fine and I am in the mood."

"How can you expect to feel bright and buoyant and well, dear, if you break all physical and mental laws? It is only by activity, by employment, that you can earn or deserve health, only by the use of your faculties that you can preserve their vigor. We must get you thoroughly interested in something, give you something to do."

"Something to do? You wouldn't horrify Mr. Willington by such a suggestion? Do you suppose he would allow his wife to work?"

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