I had an idea you would come on something more respectable than that." "As if we should ever think of respectability at such a time!" said Mrs.
Chipperton, with tears in her eyes.
"As for you boys," said Mr.Chipperton, getting up and taking us each by the hand, "I don't know what to say to you." I thought, for my part, that they had all said enough already.

They had praised and thanked us for things we had never thought of.
"I almost wish you were orphans," he continued, "so that I might adopt you.

But a boy can't have more than one father.

However, I tell you! a boy can have as many uncles as he pleases.

I'll be an uncle to each of you as long as I live.