Little by little his strength came back to him by very slow degrees--so slowly, indeed, that the process of recovery might have sorely tried the patience of any man less patient than Gilbert.

There came a day at last when the convalescent was able to leave his bed for an hour or so, just strong enough to crawl into the sitting-room with the help of Gilbert's arm, and to sit in an easy-chair, propped up by pillows, very feeble of aspect, and with a wan haggard countenance that pleaded mutely for pity.

It was impossible to harbour revengeful feelings against a wretch so stricken.
Mr.Mew was much elated by this gradual improvement in his patient, and confessed to Gilbert, in private, that he had never hoped for so happy a result.

"Nothing but an iron constitution, and your admirable care, could have carried our friend through such an attack, sir," he said decisively.
"And now that we are getting round a little, we must have change of air--change of air and of scene; that is imperatively necessary.

Mr.
Saltram talks of a loathing for these rooms; very natural under the circumstances.