He went to a doctor, and the doctor told him that with his admirable constitution a few days of absolute rest would do all that was necessary.

John wrote to Mr.Ambrose to say that he would at last accept the invitation so often extended and would spend the week between Christmas and New Year's day at Billingsfield.
There were great rejoicings at the vicarage.

John had never been forgotten for a day since he had left, each successive step in his career had been hailed with hearty delight, and now that at last he was coming back to rest himself for a week before the final effort Mrs.Ambrose was as enthusiastic as her husband.

Even Mrs.Goddard, who was not quite sure whether she had ever seen John or not, and the squire who had certainly never seen him, joined in the general excitement.

Mrs.Goddard asked the entire party to tea at the cottage and the squire asked them to come and skate at the Hall and to dine afterwards; for the weather was cold and the vicar said John was a very good skater.