The tired mother should be relieved and the perplexed and wearied man beguiled into forgetfulness of the sources of anxiety.
Jack would have indulged in a perpetual howl during the journey had not his attention been diverted by Madge's unexpected expedients, which often suspended an outcry with comical abruptness, while her remarks and questions made it impossible for Mr.Muir to toil on mentally in Wall Street.

By reason of the heat the majority of the passengers dozed or fretted.

She heroically kept up the spirits of her little band, oblivious of the admiring eyes that often turned toward her flushed, animated face.
There are few stronger tests than unflagging good-humor during a disagreeable journey with cross children.

At last the ordeal came to an end, and in the late afternoon shadows they alighted at the wide piazza of the Under-Cliff House, and were shown to airy rooms, which proved that the guests were not kept in pigeon-holes for the sole benefit of the proprietor.

Our heroine employed the best magic the world has known--thoughtful helpfulness.