It was pleasant to see him , with his tender awkwardness , endeavouring to adapt his rude support to her slight need , and make his burly middle age a leaning-staff not inappropriate to her blooming youth . It was pleasant to observe how Tilly Slowboy , waiting in the background for the baby , took special cognizance -LRB- though in her earliest teens -RRB- of this grouping ; and stood with her mouth and eyes wide open , and her head thrust forward , taking it in as if it were air . Nor was it less agreeable to observe how John the Carrier , reference being made by Dot to the aforesaid baby , checked his hand when on the point of touching the infant , as if he thought he might crack it ; and , bending down , surveyed it from a safe distance , with a kind of puzzled pride , such as an amiable mastiff might be supposed to show if he found himself , one day , the father of a young canary . `` A n't he beautiful , John ? Do n't he look precious in his sleep ? '' `` Very precious , '' said John . `` Very much so . He generally is asleep , a n't he ? '' `` Lor , John ! Good gracious , no ! '' `` Oh ! '' said John , pondering . `` I thought his eyes was generally shut . Halloa ! '' `` Goodness , John , how you startle one ! '' `` It a n't right for him to turn 'em up in that way , '' said the astonished Carrier , `` is it ? See how he 's winking with both of 'em at once ! and look at his mouth ! Why , he 's gasping like a gold and silver fish ! '' `` You do n't deserve to be a father , you do n't , '' said Dot , with all the dignity of an experienced matron .
`` But how should you know what little complaints children are troubled with , XXXXX ?
Carrier Goodness Halloa John Lor Slowboy day leaning-staff mouth right