96 GARRYOWEN 



come so hopeless of making anyone believe her 

 that she has submitted to her fate. I believe she 

 haK beheves herself that she oughtnH to walk — 

 that it's a sort of sin — she does it more out of 

 perversity than anything else. She's been coddled 

 into invaUdhood, and I'm going to coddle her out 

 of it," said Miss Grimshaw. " And if you will 

 come upstairs with me now I'll show you that 

 she's as firm on her legs as you are yourself." 



They went upstairs. As Miss Grimshaw turned 

 the handle of the door of Effie's room a scuffling 

 noise was heard, and when they entered the child 

 was sitting up on the couch, flushed and bright-eyed. 

 " Why, what's all this, Effie? " cried her father. 

 " What's all this I've been hearing about your 

 running about the room? Stick your legs out 

 and let me see you do it." 

 Effie grinned. 



" I will," said she, " if you promise not to tell 

 Mrs DriscolL" 



For three years the unfortunate child had been 

 suffering from no other disease but Mrs DriscoU's 

 vivid imagination and the firm belief held by her 

 that the child's back would " snap in two " if she 

 stood on her legs. Vivid and vital, this belief, 

 hke some people's faith, refused to listen to 

 suggestion or criticism. 



" I won't tell," said Effie's father. "Up with 

 you and let's see you on your pins." 



" Now," said Miss Grimshaw, when the evolu- 

 tions were over and Miss French had demonstrated 



