So fond was George of boisterous sports and exercises that it was really a great token of affection and sympathy when he offered to sit all day long in a dark chamber with his poor brother Edward.
As for little Emily Robinson, she was the daughter of one of Mr.
Temple's dearest friends.

Ever since her mother went to heaven (which was soon after Emily's birth) the little girl had dwelt in the household where we now find her.

Mr.and Mrs.Temple seemed to love her as well as their own children; for they had no daughter except Emily; nor would the boys have known the blessing of a sister had not this gentle stranger come to teach them what it was.

If I could show you Emily's face, with her dark hair smoothed away from her forehead, you would be pleased with her look of simplicity and loving kindness, but might think that she was somewhat too grave for a child of seven years old.

But you would not love her the less for that.
So brother George and this loving little girl were to be Edward's companions and playmates while he should be kept prisoner in the dark chamber.