When warmed and cheered by his coffee, Hugh gave a broad hint that he should like to see Phil, and one or two more boys--particularly Dale. His mother told him that the surgeon, Mr. Annanby, would be coming soon. If he gave leave, Phil should come in, and perhaps Dale. So Hugh was prepared with a strong entreaty to Mr. Annanby on the subject; but no entreaty was needed. Mr. Annanby thought he was doing very well; and that he would not be the worse for a little amusement and a little fatigue this morning, if it did not go on too long. So Phil was sent for, when the surgeon was gone. As he entered, his mother went out to speak to Mr. Tooke, and write home. She then heard from Mr. Tooke and from Firth and Dale, how strong was the feeling in Hugh's favour--how strong the sympathy for his misfortune throughout the school. Hugh had seen no tears from her; but she shed them now. She then earnestly entreated that Hugh might not hear what she had just been told. He felt no doubt of the kindness of his school-fellows, and was therefore quite happy on that score. He was very young, and to a certain degree vain; and if this event went to strengthen his vanity, to fill his head with selfish thoughts, it would be a misfortune indeed. The loss of his foot would be the least part of it. It lay with those about him to make this event a deep injury to him, instead of the blessing which all trials are meant by Providence eventually to be. They all promised that, while treating Hugh with the tenderness he deserved, they would not spoil the temper in which he had acted so well, by making it vain and selfish. There was no fear meantime of Phil's doing him any harm in that way; for Phil had a great idea of the privileges and dignity of seniority; and his plan was to keep down little boys, and make them humble; not being aware that to keep people down is not the way to make them humble, but the contrary. Older people than Phil, however, often fall into this mistake. Many parents do, and many teachers; and very many elder brothers and sisters. Phil entered the room shyly, and stood by the fire, so that the bed-curtain was between him and Hugh. "Are you there, Phil?" cried Hugh, pulling aside the curtain. "Yes," said Phil; "how do you do this morning?" "Oh, very well. Come here. I want to know ever so many things. Have you heard yet anything real and true about the new usher?" "No," replied Phil. "But I have no doubt it is really Mr. Crabbe who is coming; and that he will be here after Christmas. Why, Hugh, you look just the same as usual!" "So I am, just the same, except under this thing," pointing to the hoop, or basket, which was placed over his limb, to keep off the weight of the bed-clothes. "I am not hurt anywhere else, except this bruise;" and he showed a black bruise on his arm, such as almost any school-boy can show, almost any day. "That's nothing," pronounced Phil. "The other was, though, I can tell you," declared Hugh.