I, who know what it is to be childless--" she sighed and ceased.
"But we must not be hard," said Mrs.Thornbury.

"The conditions are so much changed since I was a young woman." "Surely _maternity_ does not change," said Mrs.Elliot.
"In some ways we can learn a great deal from the young," said Mrs.
Thornbury.

"I learn so much from my own daughters." "I believe that Hughling really doesn't mind," said Mrs.Elliot.

"But then he has his work." "Women without children can do so much for the children of others," observed Mrs.Thornbury gently.
"I sketch a great deal," said Mrs.Elliot, "but that isn't really an occupation.

It's so disconcerting to find girls just beginning doing better than one does oneself! And nature's difficult--very difficult!" "Are there not institutions--clubs--that you could help ?" asked Mrs.
Thornbury.
"They are so exhausting," said Mrs.Elliot.