little treasures real well. [Thank you, but I don't think I care
to extend the acquaintanceship farther than is absolutely
necessary.] It seems to me so unnatural that relatives know so
little of those of their own blood, and especially of the innocent
little spirits whose existence is almost unheeded. [Not when
there's unlocked trunks standing about, sis.]

"Now I want to ask a favor of you. When we were boys and girls at
home, you used to talk perfect oceans about physiognomy, and
phrenology, and unerring signs of character. I thought it was all
nonsense then, but if you believe any of it NOW, I wish you'd
study the children, and give me your well-considered opinion of
them. [Perfect demons, ma'am; imps, rascals, born to be hung--
both of them.]

"I can't get over the feeling that dear Budge is born for
something grand. [Grand nuisance.] He is sometimes so thoughtful
and so absorbed, that I almost fear the result of disturbing him;
then, he has that faculty of perseverance which seems to be the
on|y thing some men have lacked to make them great. [He certainly
has it; he exemplified it while I was trying to get to sleep this
morning.]

"Toddie is going to make a poet or a musician or an artist.
[That's so; all abominable scamps take to some artistic pursuit as
an excuse for loafing.] His fancies take hold of him very
strongly. [They do--they do; "shee wheels go wound," for
instance.] He has not Budgie's sublime earnestness, but he doesn't
need it; the irresistible force with which he is drawn toward
whatever is beautiful compensates for the lack. [Ah--perhaps that