put them into my hand, with a grave, pitiful look.

"You don't need those sort of things," I said, making pretence to
laugh, for I had not grown used to them, and felt often ashamed.

"I hope you will not need them always."

"Perhaps not--Dr. Jessop isn't sure. But it doesn't matter much;
most likely I shan't live long." For this was, God forgive me,
always the last and greatest comfort I had.

John looked at me--surprised, troubled, compassionate--but he did not
say a word. I hobbled past him; he following through the long
passage to the garden door. There I paused--tired out. John Halifax
took gentle hold of my shoulder.

"I think, if you did not mind, I'm sure I could carry you. I carried
a meal-sack once, weighing eight stone."

I burst out laughing, which maybe was what he wanted, and forthwith
consented to assume the place of the meal-sack. He took me on his
back---what a strong fellow he was!--and fairly trotted with me down
the garden walk. We were both very merry; and though I was his
senior I seemed with him, out of my great weakness and infirmity, to
feel almost like a child.

"Please to take me to that clematis arbour; it looks over the Avon.
Now, how do you like our garden?"

"It's a nice place."