It was no transient amendment, for day by day he steadily gained
strength and power, passing rapidly from chair to crutches, from
crutches to a cane and a friend's arm, which was always ready for him.
Pain returned with returning vitality, but he bore it with a fortitude
that touched all who witnessed it. At times motion was torture, yet
motion was necessary lest the torpidity should return, and Treherne took
his daily exercise with unfailing perseverance, saying with a smile,
though great drops stood upon his forehead, "I have something dearer
even than health to win. Hold me up, Jasper, and let me stagger on, in
spite of everything, till my twelve turns are made."
He remembered Lady Treherne's words, "If you were well, I'd gladly give
my girl to you." This inspired him with strength, endurance, and a
happiness which could not be concealed. It overflowed in looks, words,
and acts; it infected everyone, and made these holidays the blithest the
old abbey had seen for many a day.
Annon devoted himself to Octavia, and in spite of her command to be left
in peace till the New Year, she was very kind--so kind that hope flamed
up in his heart, though he saw that something like compassion often
shone on him from her frank eyes, and her compliance had no touch of the
tender docility which lovers long to see.
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