"You see, Mr. Gregory, here are previous and counter-claims already."
"I wish I knew of some way of successfully disputing them."
"It would be difficult to find. Well, come, little people, we will go into the sitting-room and not disturb Mr. Gregory."
"Now, I protest against that," he said. "You might at least let me be one of the children."
"But the trouble is, you won't be one, but will sit by criticising and laughing at our infantile talk."
"Now you do me wrong. I will be as good as I can, and if you knew how long and dreary the day has been you would not refuse."
She looked at him keenly for a moment, and then said, a little doubtfully, "Well, I will try for once. Run and get your favorite Sunday books, children."
When they were alone he asked, "How can you permit these youngsters to be such a burden?"
"They are not a burden," she answered.
"But a nurse could take care of them and keep them quiet."