When she appeared weak it was on some subject about which she was indifferent.

She took a great pride in her own self-poise; her self-control, which was neither coldness nor density.
She had made up her mind to bear always with the little irritations Bruce caused her; to guide him in the right direction; keep her influence with him in order to be able to arrange everything about the children just as she wished.

The children were a deep and intense preoccupation.

To say she adored them is insufficient.

Archie she regarded almost as her greatest friend, Dilly as a pet; for both she had the strongest feeling that a mother could have.