The Otis family is a family …

Otis family was a unique family. Though each member had his or her own peculiar characteristics, still they shared one thing in common and that was fearlessness. They were the perfect specimens of American virtues such as intrepidity and scientific outlook.

Mr. Otis was the American Minister. Mrs. Otis, who, as Miss Lucretia R. Tappan, of West 53d Street, had been a celebrated New York belle, was now a very handsome, middle-aged woman, with fine eyes, and a superb profile. His eldest son, Washington, was a fair-haired, good-looking young man. He loved diplomacy and was well-known in London as an excellent dancer. Miss Virginia was his only daughter. She was fifteen years old, lithe and lovely as fawn, she had blue eyes. She was an excellent horse-rider. She possessed a heart full of compassion and love. She helped the afflicted ghost of Sir Simon de Canterville claim salvation. The youngest in the family were the twins. They were delightful boys who loved playing pranks.