Neither of them could speak a word, or break the holy silence; and as he patted their heads and cheeks, his own tears flowed fast in sympathy and self-pity.

But he felt the comforting affection which they could not utter; he felt it in his loneliness, and it did him good.
The nurse broke in upon the scene, which she feared would agitate Edwin too much; and with red eyes and heavy hearts the boys left, only whispering, "We will come again to-morrow, Edwin!" They came the next day, and many days, and got to talk quite cheerfully with him, and read to him.

They loved this occupation more than any game, and devoted themselves to it.

The sorrow of the sick-room more than repaid them for the glad life without, when they heard Russell's simple and heartfelt thanks.

"Ah! how good of you, dear fellows," he would say, "to give up the merry playground for a wretched cripple," and he would smile cheerfully to show that his trial had not made him weary of life.