130 The Story of the Hamiltons.

good to him; it would only have saddened
them to see his suffering, and perhaps the
remembrance of it might haunt them for years.
 Well, Miss Grace," said Dr. Baring, kindly,
patting her head as he returned from seeing
the baby, one morning, "and how do you do?
Come, come, cheer up, we mustn't have you
fret yourself ill ; that won't do at all."
 "But how is Herbert ?" inquired Grace, in
no steady voice.
 We are going to try a new treatment, Miss
Grace, and we'll do all we can, you know.
There is not the least reason to despair. I
hope he may get better yet;" and with a
smile and a nod he departed.
 Mrs. Hamilton did not tell her children
that Dr. Baring's new treatment consisted in
trying to send the child into a sound sleep,
which, if it succeeded, would probably save
his life ; the suspense would be too great for
them, so she said nothing about it; if it failed,
nothing else could be done.
 Gilbert, though very busy, had plenty of
time for anxiety, and most impatiently was
the post looked forward to. Grace's letters
were very doleful, and led him to expect the
worst. At last came one which he eagerly
tore open and read as follows: