He never cared about play like other children, loving his book better than any thing else, but willing to leave even that to amuse and gratify me.

Oh! I used to suffer so much, so dreadfully,--I could not lie down, I could not sit up without pain,--no medicine would give me any relief.

Hour after hour would Ernest hold me in his arms, and carry me about in the open air, never owning he was weary while he could give me one moment's ease.

No one thought I would live beyond childhood, and I have no doubt many believed that death would be a blessing to the poor, crippled child.
They did not know how dear life was to me in spite of all my sufferings; for had I always been well, I never should have known those tender, cherishing cares which have filled my heart with so much love.

It is so sweet to be petted and caressed as I have been!" "It did not need sickness and suffering to make _you_ beloved, Edith," I cried, twisting my fingers in her soft, golden curls.