Of that fair surface of rounded cheek, fattened chin, and noble brow not a square inch was left ungouged.

It was indeed a face of evil suggestion that the unsuspecting mother took back.
That was the evening when the Crowders, living next door, had rushed over in the belief that my woman child was being murdered.

The criminal had never been able to advance the shadow of a reason or excuse for his mad act.

He seemed to be as honestly puzzled by it as the rest of us, though I rejoice to say that he was not left without reason to deplore it.
But the mother--the true mother--had thereafter loved the disfigured thing but the more.

She promptly divested it of all its splendid garments, as a precaution against further vandalism, and the naked thing with its scarred face was ever an honored guest at our functions.
"You really must get some clothes for Irene," I said.