ABSTRACT
There is no problem more difficult, in view of modern thought upon morality, than to make a decent and human-hearted convalescence. There is a mixture of the hero and of Mawworm in this attitude, which makes it neither beautiful nor ugly; only superlatively young. To keep up the braver, to encourage the feebler of spirits, is a great end in medicine as well as in morality. The continual, almost painful bracing, the boisterous inclemencies, the rough pleasure of tobogganing, the doctor exciting him to be up and walking, and to walk daily further, the glittering, unhomely landscape, the glare of day, the solemn splendours of the night, spur him to the gallop in his quest of health. Tender and dreamy not enterprising thoughts, resignation not rebellion, the quiet of peace not the ardour and glory of exercise, were the suggestions of that languorous land.
