It has been said that mere ease after torment is delight for a time; and the
countenances of these poor creatures expressed it now. Forty-nine operations
were successfully performed. Owing to the great hurry necessitated by the far-
gone state of some of the flock, Gabriel missed his aim in one case, and in one
only -- striking wide of the mark, and inflicting a mortal blow at once upon the
suffering ewe. Four had died; three recovered without an operation. The total
number of sheep which had thus strayed and injured themselves so dangerously
was fifty-seven.
When the love-led man had ceased from his labours, Bathsheba came and
looked him in the face.
"Gabriel, will you stay on with me?" she said, smiling winningly, and not troubling
to bring her lips quite together again at the end, because there was going to be
another smile soon.
"I will," said Gabriel.
And she smiled on him again.
