He was now nearer fifty than forty years of age, and hardships as well as time had told upon him.

He knew that though his strength was good for the commencement of a hard day's work, it would not hold out for him as it used to do.

He knew that the last four miles in the dark night would be very sad with him.

But still he persevered, endeavouring, as he went, to cherish himself with the remembrance of his triumph.
He passed the turning going down to Framley with courage, but when he came to the further turning, by which the cart would return from Framley to the Hogglestock road, he looked wistfully down the road for farmer Mangle.

But farmer Mangle was still at the mill, waiting in expectation that Mr.Crawley might come to him.