"Who could help loving you and wishing to caress you ?" "Yes it did, Gabriella; my Heavenly Father knew that it did, or He would never have laid upon me His chastening hand.

Sickness and pain have been my only chastisements, and they are all past.

I am not very strong, but I am well; and though a cripple, my wooden feet serve me wonderfully well.

I am so used to them now, they seem a part of myself." "I can never think of you as walking," I said, taking one of the crutches that leaned against the tree.

The part which fitted under the arm was covered with a cushion of blue velvet, and the rosewood staff was mounted with silver.