"What splendid boys!" exclaimed Mrs. Grey.
"Are they not? And the others were just as fine, apparently."
Mrs. Grey took the baby from his nurse's arms and kissed it.
"I should think this room would be a city of refuge, with these innocent creatures in it," she said.
"Yes; doesn't it rest one to see little children before they are spoiled?"
"You speak as if spoiling was inseparable from development; as if life were intended to be all retrograde."
"Oh, I thought I should find you ladies here," said Mr. Thayer, entering the room. "Suppose we adjourn to the library."
"Let me take Mrs. Grey to my room first, to see the children's portraits."
Mr. Thayer assented, and they all proceeded thither.