`` How does my girl do this morning ? '' he asked , taking the little cold hand she gave him in both his big warm ones . `` Pretty well , thank you , sir . '' `` Ah , but it should be very well . Why is n't it ? '' `` I always wake up with a headache , and feel tired . '' `` Do n't you sleep well ? '' `` I lie awake a long time , and then I dream , and my sleep does not seem to rest me much . '' `` What do you do all day ? '' `` Oh , I read , and sew a little , and take naps , and sit with auntie . '' `` No running about out of doors , or house-work , or riding , hey ? '' `` Aunt Plenty says I 'm not strong enough for much exercise . I drive out with her sometimes , but I do n't care for it . '' `` I 'm not surprised at that , '' said Uncle Alec , half to himself , adding , in his quick way : `` Who have you had to play with ? '' `` No one but Ariadne Blish , and she was such a goose I could n't bear her . The boys came yesterday , and seemed rather nice ; but , of course , I could n't play with them . '' `` Why not ? '' `` I 'm too old to play with boys . '' `` Not a bit of it ; that 's just what you need , for you 've been molly-coddled too much . They are good lads , and you 'll be mixed up with them more or less for years to come , so you may as well be friends and playmates at once .
I will look you up some girls also , if I can find a sensible XXXXX who is not spoilt by her nonsensical education . ''
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