But I have taken a liberty, I fear, since leaving you." "Eh?
What have you been doing ?" Captain Runacles inquired.
"Why, sir, perceiving that your friend was but lately recovered from an illness, and remembering that though the distance to the House in the Wood is but two miles or less, the distance there and back is almost four, I have brought him a litter.

Perhaps I did wrong ?" He pointed to the litter, which two men in blue blouses were bringing across the road.
"Not at all, sir.

On the contrary, your thoughtfulness puts me to shame," answered Captain Runacles, with something like a blush.
Captain Barker also thanked him, and added, "Decidedly, it might be Tristram's very self"-- a remark which the young officer did not understand in the least.

But he smiled happily.

The mere pleasure of doing a kindness and finding it appreciated was so strong in this youth that he almost regretted he had not sacrificed a fortnight's pay and hired a chariot and six horses.
Captain Barker climbed into the litter, and the party set out at a leisurely pace, which brought them to the park gates in a little more than half an hour.