He dropped his legs, crossed one leg over the other knee, and taking it in his hand, felt the springy muscle of the calf, where it had been grazed the day before by his fall, and leaning back he drew several deep breaths.

"I'm happy, very happy!" he said to himself.

He had often before had this sense of physical joy in his own body, but he had never felt so fond of himself, of his own body, as at that moment.

He enjoyed the slight ache in his strong leg, he enjoyed the muscular sensation of movement in his chest as he breathed.