"Can you see me on a duck-farm, Freddy?"
"Can I?" Mullett's eyes beamed adoration. "You bet I can see you there,—standing in a gingham apron on the old brick path between the hollyhocks, watching little Frederick romping under the apple-tree."
"Little who?"
"Little Frederick."
"Oh? And did you notice little Fanny clinging to my skirts?"
"So she is. And William John in his cradle on the porch."
"I think we'd better stop looking for awhile," said Fanny. "Our family's growing too fast."
Mullett sighed ecstatically.
"Doesn't it sound quiet and peaceful after the stormy lives we've led. The quacking of the ducks.... The droning of the bees.... Put back that spoon, dearie. You know it doesn't belong to you."
Fanny removed the spoon from the secret places of her dress and eyed it with a certain surprise.