They looked at each other more than they spoke; and they looked at the fire more than they did either.
At last Mr.Landholm went off, recommending to all of them to go to bed.

Asahel, who had been in good spirits on the matter all along, followed his father.

The mother and daughter and the two boys were left alone round the kitchen fire.
They were more silent than ever then, for a good space; and four pair of eyes were bent diligently on the rising and falling flames.

Only Winifred's sometimes wandered to the face of one or the other of her brothers, but they never could abide long.

It was Mrs.Landholm's gentle voice that broke the silence.
"What mark are you aiming at, boys?
-- what are you setting before you as the object of life ?" "What _mark_, mother ?" said Rufus after an instant's pause.
"Yes." "To make something of myself!" he said rising, and with that fire-flashing nostril and lip that spoke his whole soul at work.