“I think I will, mother, for I am much better than I was yesterday, and have improved since morning. I have promised myself so much pleasure at this ball, that I cannot think of being disappointed.”
The mother shook her head.
“Mary,” she replied, “you are not well enough to go out. The air is damp, and you will inevitably take more cold. Think how badly your throat has been inflamed.”
“I don’t think it has been so very bad, mother.”
“The doctor told me it was badly inflamed, and said you would have to be very careful of yourself, or it might prove serious.”
“That was some days ago. It is a great deal better now.”
“But the least exposure may cause it to return.”
“I will be very careful not to expose myself. I will wrap up warm and go in a carriage. I am sure there is not the least danger, mother.”
“While I am sure that there is very great danger. You cannot pass from the door to the carriage without the damp air striking upon your face, and pressing into your lungs.”
“But I must not always exclude myself from
