“Ernest,” said Arthur, in a soothing tone, “I have brought you a friend. His name is Chester.”
Chester was amazed at the sight of the boy. He was wonderfully handsome, especially when at Arthur’s words the look of pain left his face and it brightened into radiant beauty. He seemed to fall in love with Chester at first sight. He ran up to him, seized his hand, kissed it, and said:
“I love you.”
Arthur, too, looked amazed.
“He never took to anyone so before,” he said. “You have fascinated him.”
“Sit down. Let me sit in your lap,” pleaded Ernest.
All feeling of repugnance, all thoughts of the boy’s malady were forgotten. Chester sat in a low rocking-chair and Ernest seated himself in his lap, touching his face and hair softly with a caressing hand.
“What a charming boy he is!” thought Chester.
“Did you come to see me?” asked Ernest, softly.
“Yes, I came with Arthur.”