The secret garden

150 THE SECRET GARDENu now I have seen the child I understand whatMrs. Sowerbymeant. She must be less delicatebefore she begins lessons. Give her simple,healthy food. Let her run wild in the garden.Don't look after her too much. She needs libertyand fresh air and romping about. Mrs. Sowerbyis to come and see her now and then and she maysometimes go to the cottage."Mrs. Medlock looked pleased. She was relievedto hear that she need not " look after 'Marytoo much. She had felt her a tiresomecharge and had indeed seen as little of her as shedared. In addition to this she was fond of Martha'smother.Thank you, sir," she said." Susan Sowerbyand me went to school together and she's as sensibleand good-hearted a woman as you'dfind ina day's walk. I never had any children myselfand she's had twelve, and there never was healthieror better ones. Miss Mary can get no harmfrom them. I'd always take Susan Sowerby's adviceabout children myself. She's what you mightcall healthy-minded ifyou understand me."'I understand," Mr. Craven answered.Take Miss Mary away now and send Pitcher tome.'When Mrs. Medlock left her at the end of herown corridor Mary flew back to her room. She