Until the sixth year of Edwin's life he never heard that he had ever had a
father, a mother, or a home other than the place in which he was then
living. He knew only that he existed, and that from day to day there were
many things happening about him, some of which he enjoyed, but a great many
of which were distasteful to him. But all that took place he quietly
endured, thinking that it was the best that there was in life for him. The
fact that some were more favored than he was caused him no jealous or
covetous feelings. He reasoned that it was all right for them, but for
himself it could not be.

During the play-hours when the children were allowed to amuse themselves
outside of the building, Edwin soon discovered that "a soft answer turneth
away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger" (Prov. 15:1). God must surely
have taught Edwin the meaning of this proverb; for the old lady did not
mention it in any of her talks, and there was no one else in that wretched
place to tell him.

Many times the childish games were interrupted by the screaming and the
swearing of the people in the insane-apartment. The timid children would
cry out and tremble, but those who were older often tried to repeat the
profane language. All these things, like many others, made deep impressions
upon the sensitive nature of Edwin, and although he was not afraid, he
often pondered them in his heart. Sometimes seated in a secluded corner he
would watch the poor demented creatures with a pitying gaze, wondering why
they talked and acted so strangely, but whether he could or could not
understand them, he studied the sane and the mad alike, and what he felt
was right in the conduct of either he made his pattern, but the wrong he
rejected.

At times during the play-hours the children, overcome by hunger, would slip