96 The Story of the Hamiltons.

tory, everybody was well, and sent, of course,
endless kind messages; a long letter was
brought from Gilbert, containing full descrip-
tions of all his doings ; and everything was as
flourishing as they could wish. Herbert was
taken into the school-room, and shown to
everybody, and even his partial sisters were
contented with the amount of admiration he
received. He could walk a few steps alone,
which he evidently considered a great feat,
and amused himself and them with trotting
from one chair to another, and exclaiming
"Ah!" in a tone of triumph, whenever he
had accomplished it to his satisfaction.
 Nurse was able to take back a very good
report of the happiness and welfare of Grace
and Edith, which was received with much
pleasure by both Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton.