They made their way down the steep hill and over the bridge to the far
side of the river. The water was rushing in a noisy torrent between the
rocks and boulders.
"Oh! How I love the noise of it," he exclaimed. "It's life, just life!"
She looked at his lined and ageing face and marvelled at his
enthusiasms. He was so full of them still and of a great self-courage
that nothing had ever had the power to break. They strolled along the
narrow path under the fresh spring green, keeping the river that Richard
loved beside them all the way. He took her hand and held it and she did
not resist; she was feeling very grateful towards this friend who had
come from the world and found her. Presently she grew tired, it was hot
down there by the river.