Henry Miller's ideal of a family, the Lopezes hail from Mexico and embody the virtues that Americans most undervalue and greedily exploit: gentleness, humility, and love. They have three children and work hard, taking neighbors' children into their crowded hut, where many for the first time see a picture of the Madonna and hear Roman Catholic prayers. The twin boys are active, resourceful rascals but have a chivalrous nature. Little Rosita a a little mother since learning to walk. The father is a gardener, too poor to give them toys but thankful for their health. Wife Rosa keeps house without modern appliances. The children are content with whatever they have, building miniature cities with imagination and junk.