FREEDOM It took him many days to climb back up that slope down which he had slipped so swiftly in those few awful hours.

Very slowly, with painful effort, but with unfailing purpose, he made his arduous way.

And through it all Puck never left his side.
Alert and vigilant, very full of courage, very quick of understanding, she drew him, leaning on her, back to a life that had become strangely new to them both.

They talked very little, for Merryon's strength was terribly low, and Macfarlane, still scarcely believing in the miracle that had been wrought under his eyes, forbade all but the simplest and briefest speech--a prohibition which Puck strenuously observed; for Puck, though she knew the miracle for an accomplished fact, was not taking any chances.
"Presently, darling; when you're stronger," was her invariable answer to any attempt on his part to elicit information as to the events that had immediately preceded his seizure.

"There's nothing left to fret about.
You're here--and I'm here.