Winthrop's for the most part kept its fine outlines unbroken, though when they did give way it was to singular effect.

The contrast between the faces was striking, even now when both were in repose.
The elder was the first to break silence, speaking slowly and without moving his eye from its bent.
"Governor, -- what do you suppose lies behind those mountains ?" "What ?" -- said Winthrop quickly.
The other smiled.
"Your slow understanding can make a quick leap now and then." "I can generally understand you," said his brother quietly.
Rufus added no more for a little, and Winthrop let him alone.
"We've got the farm in pretty good order now," he remarked presently in a considerate tone, folding his arms and looking about him.
"Papa has," observed Winthrop.

"Yes -- if those stumps were out once.

We ought to have good crops this year, of most things." "I am sure I have spent four or five years of my life in hard work upon it," said the other.
"Your life ain't much the worse of it," said Winthrop, laughingly.
Rufus did not answer the laugh.

He looked off to the hills again, and his lips seemed to close in upon his thoughts.
"Papa has spent more than that," said the younger brother gravely.