"Just the age of my Edward. How much I should like to see him!"
"I don't think he has gone to sleep yet," said the fond mother of an only child, rising and going off to her chamber.
"You bachelors don't sympathize much with us fathers of families," said Mr. Little, laughing, to Mr. Pelby.
"How should we?"
"True enough! But then you can envy us; and no doubt do."
"It's well enough for you to think so, Little. But, after all, I expect we are the better off."
"Don't flatter yourself in any such way, Mr. Pelby. I've been"—
"Here's the darling!" exclaimed Mrs. Little, bounding gayly in the room at the moment, with Tommy, who was laughing and tossing his arms about in delight at being taken up from his bed, into which he had gone reluctantly.
"Come to pa, Tommy," said Mr. Little, reaching out his hands. "Now ain't that a fine little fellow?" he continued, looking from face to face of his two friends, and showing off Tommy to the best possible advantage that his night-gown would permit. And he was a sweet child; with rosy cheeks, bright blue eyes, and clustering golden ringlets.
"Indeed he is a lovely child," Mr. Manly said earnestly.