He also secretly consulted the Regimental Surgeon, who
was too kindhearted to tell him the truth; and he tried his hand at
various remedies of his own, which did no more than to loosen the cough
which was breaking down his strength.
As now, he often walked down the street swinging his cane, not as though
he needed it for walking, but merely for occupation and companionship.
He did not delude the villagers by these sorrowful deceptions, but they
made believe he did. There were a few people who did not like him; but
they were of that cantankerous minority who put thorns in the bed of the
elect.
To-day, occupied with his thoughts, he walked down the main road, then
presently diverged on a side road which led past Magon Farcinelle's house
to an old disused mill, owned by Magon's father. He paused when he came
opposite Magon's house, and glanced up at the open door. He was tired,
and the coolness of the place looked inviting. He passed through the
gate, and went lightly up the path. He could see straight through the
house into the harvest-fields at the back. Presently a figure crossed
the lane of light, and made a cheerful living foreground to the blue sky
beyond the farther door.
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