"I feel thankful that I have been ill, Joe," I said.

     "Dear old Pip, old chap, you're a'most come round, sir."

     "It has been a memorable time for me, Joe."

     "Likeways for myself, sir," Joe returned.

     "We have had a time together, Joe, that I can never forget. There were days once, I know, that I did for a while forget; but I never shall forget these."

     "Pip," said Joe, appearing a little hurried and troubled, "there has been larks. And, dear sir, what have been betwixt us--have been."

     At night, when I had gone to bed, Joe came into my room, as he had done all through my recovery. He asked me if I felt sure that I was as well as in the morning?

     "Yes, dear Joe, quite."

     "And are always a getting stronger, old chap?"

     "Yes, dear Joe, steadily."

     Joe patted the coverlet on my shoulder with his great good hand, and said, in what I thought a husky voice, "Good night!"