Most of the while I deemed I was at home, in the house of Pitcullo; yet I
felt there was something strange, and that there was pain somewhere in
the room. But at length, as was said, I came to knowledge of things, and
could see Elliot and remember her, when she knelt praying by my bed, as
oft she did, whiles I lay between life and death. I have heard speak of
men who, being inflamed with love, as I had been, fell into a fever of
the body, and when that passed, lo! their passion had passed with it, and
their longing. And so it seemed to be with me. For some days I was not
permitted to utter a word, and later, I was as glad in Elliot's company
as you may have seen a little lad and lass, not near come to full age,
who go playing together with flowers and such toys. So we were merry
together, the jackanapes keeping us company, and making much game and
sport.

Perchance these were my most blessed days, as of one who had returned to
the sinless years, when we are happier than we know, and not yet
acquainted with desire. Now and again Rutherford and Lindsay would come
to visit me, seeming strangely still and gentle, speaking little, but
looking at me with kind eyes, and vowing that my tailor should yet be
paid for his labour. Capdorat also came, for he had but suffered a flesh
wound with much loss of blood, and we showed each other the best
countenance. So time went by, while I grew stronger daily; and now it
was ordained by the leech, a skilful man, that I might leave my bed, and
be clothed, and go about through the house, and eat stronger food,
whereof I had the greatest desire, and would ever be eating like a
howlet. {19} Now, when I was to rise, I looked that they should bring me
my old prentice's gabardine and hose, but on the morning of that day
Elliot came, bearing in her arms a parcel of raiment very gay and costly.

"Here is your fine clothing new come from the tailor's booth," she cried