of his work. His sister, Mrs Robinson, had been obliged to leave
him some weeks before, owing to some epidemic amongst her own
children. As long as I had seen Mr Holdsworth in the rooms at the
little inn at Hensleydale, where I had been accustomed to look
upon him as an invalid, I had not been aware of the visible shake
his fever had given to his health. But, once back in the old
lodgings, where I had always seen him so buoyant, eloquent,
decided, and vigorous in former days, my spirits sank at the
change in one whom I had always regarded with a strong feeling of
admiring affection. He sank into silence and despondency after
the least exertion; he seemed as if he could not make up his mind
to any action, or else that, when it was made up, he lacked
strength to carry out his purpose. Of course, it was but the
natural state of slow convalescence, after so sharp an illness;
but, at the time, I did not know this, and perhaps I represented
his state as more serious than it was to my kind relations at
Hope Farm; who, in their grave, simple, eager way, immediately
thought of the only help they could give.

'Bring him out here,' said the minister. 'Our air here is good to
a proverb; the June days are fine; he may loiter away his time in
the hay-field, and the sweet smells will be a balm in
themselves--better than physic.'

'And,' said cousin Holman, scarcely waiting for her husband to
finish his sentence, 'tell him there is new milk and fresh eggs
to be had for the asking; it's lucky Daisy has just calved, for
her milk is always as good as other cows' cream; and there is the
plaid room with the morning sun all streaming in.' Phillis said
nothing, but looked as much interested in the project as any one.