putting her hand into that of Edward.

"And so will I, Ned," said George, his elder brother, "school time and
all, if my father will permit me."

Edward's brother George was three or four years older than himself,--a
fine, hardy lad, of a bold and ardent temper. He was the leader of his
comrades in all their enterprises and amusements. As to his proficiency
at study there was not much to be said. He had sense and ability enough
to have made himself a scholar, but found so many pleasanter things to
do that he seldom took hold of a book with his whole heart. So fond was
George of boisterous sports and exercises that it was really a great
token of affection and sympathy when he offered to sit all day long in a
dark chamber with his poor brother Edward.

As for little Emily Robinson, she was the daughter of one of Mr.
Temple's dearest friends. Ever since her mother went to heaven (which
was soon after Emily's birth) the little girl had dwelt in the household
where we now find her. Mr. and Mrs. Temple seemed to love her as well
as their own children; for they had no daughter except Emily; nor would
the boys have known the blessing of a sister had not this gentle
stranger come to teach them what it was. If I could show you Emily's
face, with her dark hair smoothed away from her forehead, you would be
pleased with her look of simplicity and loving kindness, but might think
that she was somewhat too grave for a child of seven years old. But you
would not love her the less for that.

So brother George and this loving little girl were to be Edward's
companions and playmates while he should be kept prisoner in the dark
chamber. When the first bitterness of his grief was over he began to