“You see, it’s all a matter of getting their roots deep into good, rich soil so that the growth of stalk and trunk and stems and branches and leaves above ground is vital and healthy. Without deep roots, and if outside influences continually come to eat and destroy the first tender green sprouts, a long and healthy and productive future is doomed.

“I happen to believe that the same thing is necessary in the matter of one’s children.

“Roots, Thaddeus!

“Roots must be nurtured carefully so that they extend deep into good soil. At the same time, pests and winds and frosts and snails must be kept away so that the first tender shoots of life have sufficient protection to grow strong as well.”

“There are many who would disagree with such a parallel,” suggested McCallum.

“Yourself?”

“Not necessarily. Frankly, I’ve never thought about the things you’re saying before. But I do know everyone would not agree with you.”

“I run counter to the prevailing notions in most things, Thaddeus,” laughed the baron. “Of course, you are correct-not only would some not agree, I would go so far as to say most would disagree with the whole notion of greenhouses as being appropriate for children. But then all you have to do is look at a young man such as our neighbor Count von Schmundt’s son, and you see all too clearly the results of a plant’s being allowed to grow in any and all directions its sinful nature sees fit, without sheltering, without fertilizing, and without pruning. I feel sorry for the young fellow. In a way it is not really his fault,” sighed the baron. “The tenders of his garden, I fear, let him go to seed early, and they are all now paying the price.”

“What about you, Frau von Dortmann?” asked Thaddeus. “Are you of one mind with your husband?”

“Of course,” answered Marion. “But then my family background is such that these concepts are not unusual nor—”

She stopped suddenly, as if having said something she should not have.

“I… I don’t understand,” said Thaddeus. “What kind of family background?”

Marion glanced at her husband.

“If you don’t mind, Thaddeus,” the baron said, “the subject is a ticklish one.”

“I am very sorry. Forgive me.”

“Think nothing of it, Thaddeus,” said Marion.

“In any case,” the baron went on, “such was the Father’s way with his own Son. To insure Jesus’ protection and nurturing, his Father chose the most godly woman of the time, young Mary, to act as his greenhouse, so to speak, to shield him from all that could thwart the Father’s plan. If such was the Father’s way, it is the example I for one desire to follow.”

“But how long is such to last with children, Heinrich?” asked Thaddeus.

“Jesus remained at home with his mother for thirty years, so I suspect it is longer than most people realize.”