irst
acquaintance with him, I could not but marvel over the change that had
taken place, before books, drawing materials, and mathematical
instruments could have been chosen as the gifts best suited to his
taste.

Edward used to come home from school as merry and good-humored as ever,
and growing taller and stronger every holiday. Rose and Margaret were as
flourishing as he; but poor Willy grew weaker, and thinner, and paler.
Fresh springs and summers brought him no revival, but as they faded, he
seemed to fade with them. He read more than ever; and his sisters were
frequently occupied in reading and writing under his direction, for they
were anxious to help him in his pursuits. His Papa and Mama sometimes
said he studied too hard; and they used to sit with him, and try to
amuse him by conversation, when they wished to draw him from his books.
Doctors visited him, and prescribed many remedies; and his Mama gave him
all the medicines herself, and took care that every order was implicitly
obeyed. His father carried him up and down stairs, and waited upon him
as tenderly as even Margaret; but he grew no better with all their
care. He was always gentle and patient, but he appeared in less good
spirits than formerly. He seemed to enjoy going out in his wheel-chair
more than any thing; but one day he observed that the summer was fast
coming to an end, and that then he must shut himself up in his room, for
that he minded the cold more than he used.

'I wish we lived in a warmer country,' said Rose; 'perhaps then you
might get better.'

'I do not know about _living_,' replied Willy. 'England is the best
country to _live_ in; but I certainly should like to be out of the way
of the cold for this next winter.'

'Why do not you tell Papa so?' asked Rose.

'Because I know very well he would take me a journey directly, however
inconvenient it might be to him.'

Rose said nothing more just then, but she took the first opportunity of
telling her father what had passed; and he said he was very glad indeed
that she had let him know.

From that day forward something more than usual seemed in contemplation.
Papa, Mama, and Margaret were constantly consulting together, and
Edward, Rose, and Willy followed their example. As for me, nobody had
time to bestow a look or a thought upon me; but I made myself happy by
looking at and thinking of _them_.

One morning two doctors together paid Willy a long visit. After they
were gone, his