24 The Story of the Hamiltons.

you this part:-' Tell the girls, with my love,
I hope to see them in the course of a few
weeks, but the exact day I cannot say at pre-
sent; however, I hope they will be prepared
with their music, and all they can to amuse
me, for after my hard work I shall need some
refreshment, and have proposed to myself
many excursions with them during the sum-
mer.' So, there, young ladies, is something
more to think of."
 "What a dear, good brother, Gilbert is! I
am so glad he is coming home soon, are not
you, Grace?"
 Yes," said Grace, "very." How glad was
only known to herself, for with her reserved
and deep feelings there was no one who could
sympathise, no one who drew her out and ex-
plained her various difficulties and suggested
solutions, like her brother. True, she was
dotingly fond of Edith, but it was a fondness
for her gentle simplicity of character rather
than that of kindred thought and sentiment.
Edith was a child to her, unable to enter into
her feelings or understand her. But now,
Edith," continued Grace, "let us get our
lessons ready for to-morrow."
 The two children then speedily set them-
selves to their various tasks, where we will