"No, thank you, sir. I should like to go home. You've been very kind; you've done everything that could be done for me. But it's God's will…. My wife is very grateful to you, too."
"Yes, indeed, I am, sir. However am I to thank you for your kindness to my husband?'
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more. But you'll want the sister to help you to dress him. I'll send her to you."
When they got him out of bed, Esther was shocked at the spectacle of his poor body. There was nothing left of him. His poor chest, his wasted ribs, his legs gone to nothing, and the strange weakness, worst of all, which made it so hard for them to dress him. At last it was nearly done: Esther laced one boot, the nurse the other, and, leaning on Esther's arm, he looked round the room for the last time. The navvy turned round on his bed and said—
"Good-bye, mate."
"Good-bye…. Good-bye, all."
The clerk's little son clung to his mother's skirt, frightened at the weakness of so big a man.
"Go and say good-bye to the gentleman."
The little boy came forward timidly, offering his hand. William looked at the poor little white face; he nodded to the father and went out.
As he went downstairs he said he would like to go home in a hansom. The doctor and nurse expostulated, but he persisted until Esther begged of him to forego the wish for her sake.