That is just what baby did not know, and in spite of the…
““That is just what baby did not know, and in spite of the kiss, he made up his mind to cry. It was very distressing. Christie walked up and down in the bit of a space, and cuddled the poor fellow, and whispered loving words to him, and cooed a lullaby in to his ear, but he would have none of them. He wanted just one thing, and that was his mother’s face. The gentlemen began to interest themselves in the matter, though the velvet-dressed young lady was still deep in her Seaside Library, only taking time to dart a frown at baby for being so noisy. One and another asked who had been with the child, and what had become of her; and Wells told his story about seeing her leave the car at the last station. “A case of desertion,” said one man, looking severely at Christie as though she might be the cause; but she looked back at him out very cross eyes, and was glad that she did. The idea of any mother deserting her baby!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A child's deep yearning for his mother's presence overrides all other comforts, showing the power of maternal bonds.
In simple terms: Child craves mother’s face.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and support deep emotional needs.
Themes
maternal love
longing
comfort
grief
Mood
empathetic
somber
Type
narrative
psychological
When to use this quote
- parenting
- childcare
- grief counseling
Key Concepts
attachment theory
psychology of loss
Questions to Reflect On
- How can caregivers respond to a child's specific longing?
- What does this reveal about maternal importance?
A Different Perspective
The child's refusal of comfort may indicate deeper trauma not addressed.