And now he was able to walk quite easily, and was going home to show them all what a change had taken place in him! How shall we describe the gladness that filled his young heart?
He and his sister were not alone. Their Aunt Matilda had contrived to spare half an hour from her work in order to see them off. It was not easy for her to do without her niece's assistance during the fortnight's holiday she had promised her, but she was learning to deny herself for the sake of others, and she did not regret the inconvenience thus occasioned as she noted the happy faces of brother and sister.
Presently, as they waited, they were joined by Miss Graham, who wished to see the last of her little friend, and to provide for his comfort on the journey.
"Oh, Miss Graham, how kind of you to come!" he cried, as he saw her. "I did want to say good-bye to you again."
"You are very glad to leave us, Jerry," she said, as she looked at his smiling face.
"Not glad to leave you, Miss Graham," he answered, "but very glad to go home."
"Your mother will be overjoyed to see you looking so well," said the lady; "you are not like the same boy you were when you came."
"Mother'll hardly know me, I think," said Jerry joyously. "Ellen says I have grown two or three inches since I left home."
"I dare say you have," replied Miss Graham; "and you are certainly stouter than you were, so that you are improved in all respects."
Jerry was silent for a few moments. He was thinking how best he could thank Miss Graham for her kindness to him since he had been in the hospital. But in vain, he tried to find suitable words. All he could say was,—