They had been dropping in, one after another, ever since his marriage, without so much as saying "By your leave, sir!" and how long was this to continue, was a question much more easily asked than answered.

Sometimes he made light of the subject, and jested with his wife about her "ten daughters;" but it was rather an unrelishable jest, and never was given with a heartiness that made it awaken more than a smile upon the gentle face of his excellent partner.
We will let five or six years more pass, and then bring our friend, Mr.Bancroft, again before the reader.

Flora has grown into a tall girl of fifteen, who is still going to school.

William, now a youth of thirteen, is a lad of great promise.

His mind is rapidly opening, and is evidently one of great natural force.