Indeed, I may say they looked upon him as their own son.

It amuses me," she continued, "to think how strict they were to us, when I see how they spoil their grand-children!" The table was laid under the tree again, and taking her place before the teacups, Mrs.Thornbury beckoned and nodded until she had collected quite a number of people, Susan and Arthur and Mr.Pepper, who were strolling about, waiting for the tournament to begin.

A murmuring tree, a river brimming in the moonlight, Terence's words came back to Rachel as she sat drinking the tea and listening to the words which flowed on so lightly, so kindly, and with such silvery smoothness.

This long life and all these children had left her very smooth; they seemed to have rubbed away the marks of individuality, and to have left only what was old and maternal.
"And the things you young people are going to see!" Mrs.Thornbury continued.

She included them all in her forecast, she included them all in her maternity, although the party comprised William Pepper and Miss Allan, both of whom might have been supposed to have seen a fair share of the panorama.