And the glad news went round the village that Teddy was getting better.

It was a bright day for the farm when Teddy was brought down in a blanket
and put in the big easy-chair by the fire. His little face and hands
looked very fragile, with the blue veins standing out clearly under the
transparent white skin, but his large eyes shone with light and gladness.
His mother made him comfortable, then left him in his grandmother's
charge for a short time. Old Mrs. Platt had had her share of suffering
during those sad days; her heart was wrapped up in the boy, and perhaps
the greatest trial of all was to stand aloof, and perform her daily work
downstairs, whilst her daughter-in-law had the sole charge of him.

She came across to the chair now, and kneeling down in front of it, said,
with tears in her eyes, as she took his two little hands into hers,
'Granny has sadly missed her pickle all this while.'

And then Teddy put his little arms round her neck and hugged her close,
crushing her cap in the most reckless fashion as he did so.

'I'm getting better every day, granny, and I love you ever so!'

When Mrs. Platt released herself, he went on more soberly, 'I feel very
tipsy on my legs. I asked mother to let me walk just now, but I
couldn't manage very well. I don't think I shall be able to run fast
for a year, shall I?'

'Oh, we'll see you about long before that, please God!'

'And, granny, you know about my sorrow?'