half-cheery

Updated: August 16, 2026

George would steal an hour or two, and saddle his horse to take Polly for a gallop over the hills, through the cañons, or on the beach. His half-grave, half-cheery talks on these rides did her much good. He sympathized and understood and helped, even when he chided, and Polly sometimes forgot her own troubles in wondering whether Dr. George had not suffered and overcome a good many of his own.

Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin - Polly Oliver's Problem