This petting was partly due to Webster's delicate health, but it was also in great measure owing to his nature.

He was one of those rare and fortunate beings who without exertion draw to themselves the devotion of other people, and are always surrounded by men and women eager to do and to suffer for them.

The boy accepted all that was showered upon him, not without an obvious sense that it was his due.

He took it in the royal spirit which is characteristic of such natures; but in those childish days when laughter and tears came readily, he repaid the generous and sacrificing love with the warm and affectionate gratitude of an earnest nature and a naturally loving heart.

He was never cold, or selfish, or designing.