His health had returned.

His cheeks were ruddy, his dark eyes clear and bright, his tall form erect and sturdy.

Moreover the affectionate care his new friends had given him and his interest in the girl filled his heart with the happiness which is the rain of youth and without which it becomes an arid desert.
He had helped Alexander Ferguson with the making of the fireplace and knew how to mix the mortar.

He worked with a will for his heart was in the new home.

It was a fine September morning.