"That is the loveliest thing of all," Adalgoth says, "to see them do that, like flowers unfolding. I know that many deny themselves these joys, leaving the babes with the women until they are old enough to be taught; but that is cowardice. Of course these little ones are so fragile, and might not make it to their first birthday. But oh, the joy if they do! The joy of every day that they advance and learn!"