"Nor when we stand side by side," he returned in the same tone, 'seeing I
have grown to be a full head taller than you. But truth compels me to
acknowledge that I am your superior in nothing else except physical
strength."

"You might add knowledge of the world, you have had to rely on your own
judgment so much oftener than I who have so seldom left mamma's side.
Dear, dear mamma! Oh, Ned, how long will it be before I see her again?"

She wept as she spoke, and Edward felt for the moment strongly inclined to
join her. But instead he tried to cheer her.

"We will hope Cousin Arthur may prescribe a sea voyage for grandpa and the
children before long, and then we shall have the whole family joining us
in Italy."

"How delightful that would be, Ned!" she said, smiling through her tears.

"And do you know," he went on gayly, "it is strongly impressed upon me
that we shall find Lester convalescent, and by good nursing and our
cheering companionship so help it on that we shall have him a well man in
a few weeks."

"Ah, if it might be so!" she sighed. "'But He doeth all things well,' and
oh how precious are His promises! 'As thy days thy strength shall be.' 'I
will never leave thee nor forsake thee.' 'When thou passest through the
waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not
overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be
burned; neither shall the flames kindle upon thee.' And then that glorious
assurance, 'We _know_ that all things work together for good to them that