Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/157



HOUGH of necessity a great deal away from home, H. H. was devoted to his wife and children. He very much enjoyed home gatherings, and always took the keenest interest in the sayings and doings of each member of his family. The love that existed between H. H. and his wife, and his tender care of her during many years of delicate health, was very touching to witness. Theirs was literally a married Wife that had never known a shadow of a shade of discord as far as their mutual relations were concerned.

H. H. was always a sympathetic listener to whatever his children had to tell him, and those who knew him only as an impatient critic and antagonist would marvel to see the patience he brought to bear in listening to some childish recital of adventure. In later years, when his own family grew up, he transferred some of his affection to his small grandchildren. It was rather a charming picture to see the Postal Reformer, with his arms folded on the table, listening attentively to a small and incoherent grandson struggling with a "funny story."

"By Jove, old man, you astound me!" would be H. H.’s comment, when the little lad with bursts of glee had reached the climax of his old, old "funny story."

H. H., who had a remarkable memory in many 117