He clenched his strong right hand at first , as if it would have beaten down a lion . But , opening it immediately again , he spread it out before the eyes of Tackleton -LRB- for he was tender of her even then -RRB- , and so , as they passed out , fell down upon a desk , and was as weak as any infant . He was wrapped up to the chin , and busy with his horse and parcels , when she came into the room , prepared for going home . `` Now , John dear ! Good night , May ! Good night , Bertha ! '' Could she kiss them ? Could she be blithe and cheerful in her parting ? Could she venture to reveal her face to them without a blush ? Yes . Tackleton observed her closely , and she did all this . Tilly was hushing the baby , and she crossed and recrossed Tackleton a dozen times , repeating drowsily : `` Did the knowledge that it was to be its wives , then , wring its hearts almost to breaking ; and did its fathers deceive it from its cradles but to break its hearts at last ! '' `` Now , Tilly , give me the Baby ! Good night , Mr. Tackleton . Where 's John , for goodness ' sake ? '' `` He 's going to walk beside the horse 's head , '' said Tackleton ; who helped her to her seat . `` My dear John ! Walk ? To-night ? '' The muffled figure of her husband made a hasty sign in the affirmative ; and , the false stranger and the little nurse being in their places , the old horse moved off .
Boxer , the unconscious Boxer , running on before , running back , running round and round the cart , and barking XXXXX triumphantly and merrily as ever .
as at before for from in of that to without