When Monica had grown up it would be time for him to retire from practice; by then he would doubtless have saved money.
He must find more society for them; they had always been too much alone, whence their shyness among strangers.

If their mother had but lived! 'Rhoda wishes you to read us something, father,' said his eldest girl, who had approached whilst he was lost in dream.
He often read aloud to them from the poets; Coleridge and Tennyson by preference.

Little persuasion was needed.

Alice brought the volume, and he selected 'The Lotus-Eaters.' The girls grouped themselves about him, delighted to listen.

Many an hour of summer evening had they thus spent, none more peaceful than the present.