and obeyed them.

When Papa came in, he was as much excited as any of the children. He
walked round and round the chair, questioning Katy and making her stand
up and sit down.

"Am I really going to get well?" she asked, almost in a whisper.

"Yes, my love, I think you are," replied Dr. Carr, seizing Phil and
giving him a toss into the air. None of the children had ever before
seen Papa behave so like a boy. But pretty soon, noticing Katy's burning
cheeks and excited eyes, he calmed himself, sent the others all away,
and sat down to soothe and quiet her with gentle words.

"I think it is coming, my darling," he said, "but it will take time, and
you must have a great deal of patience. After being such a good child
all the years, I am sure you won't fail now. Remember, any imprudence
will put you back. You must be content to gain a very little at a time.
There is no royal road to walking any more than there is to learning.
Every baby finds that out."

"Oh, Papa!" said Katy, "it's no matter if it takes a year--if only I get
well at last."

How happy she was that night--too happy to sleep. Papa noticed the dark
circles under her eyes in the morning, and shook his head.

"You must be careful," he told her, "or you'll be laid up again. A
course of fever would put you back for years."