autumn noon
`` We 'll talk about that later , if you like , '' said the doctor . `` Now I want you to get up a bit after you 've had some food . '' * * * * * It was with a very strange sensation that Frank found himself out in the garden next day , in a sheltered corner , seated in a wicker chair in which , by the help of bamboo poles , he had been carried downstairs by Thomas and the Major , with the doctor leading the way and giving directions as to how to turn the corners . The chair was brought out through an irregularly-shaped little court at the back of the house and set down in the warm autumn noon , against an old wall , with a big kitchen garden , terribly neglected , spread before him . The smoke of burning went up in the middle distance , denoting the heap of weeds pulled by the Major and Gertie during the last three days . He saw Gertie in the distance once or twice , in a clean sun-bonnet , going about her business , but she made no sign . The smell of the burning weeds gave a pleasant , wholesome and acrid taste to his mouth .