"it is a shame," she said. "i never laid a finer lot of eggs in my life, and i was very careful where i put them. i wish i knew how many there were, but i forgot to count. i have been watching and watching for my little birds to join our flock; i was sure i should know them if i saw them. mothers have such fine feelings, you know, in regard to their children." (as though she had any right to say that!)