An invalid's
instincts as to eating and drinking are more to be depended upon than those
of a healthy person; but it is not so, I think with regard to anything
involving effort. That she must sometimes be urged to. She must not judge
that by inclination. I have had, in my short practice, two patients, who
considered themselves _bedlars_, as you will find the common people in
the part you are going to, call them--bedridden, that is. One of them I
persuaded to make the attempt to rise, and although her sense of inability
was anything but feigned, and she will be a sufferer to the end of her
days, yet she goes about the house without much inconvenience, and I
suspect is not only physically but morally the better for it. The other
would not consent to try, and I believe lies there still."
"The will has more to do with most things than people generally suppose,"
I said. "Could you manage, now, do you think, supposing we resolve to make
the experiment, to accompany us the first stage or two?"
"It is very likely I could. Only you must not depend upon me. I cannot tell
beforehand. You yourself would teach me that I must not be a respecter of
persons, you know.
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