McTeague would grow old among them all.

The dentist saw himself as a venerable patriarch surrounded by children and grandchildren.
So the winter passed.

It was a season of great happiness for the McTeagues; the new life jostled itself into its grooves.

A routine began.
On weekdays they rose at half-past six, being awakened by the boy who brought the bottled milk, and who had instructions to pound upon the bedroom door in passing.

Trina made breakfast--coffee, bacon and eggs, and a roll of Vienna bread from the bakery.