This passage makes explicit that Willie likes observing gentle Mrs. Hartridge’s pregnancy, which emphasizes yet again that his innocent crush on her derives from his perception of her as a good, kind mother unlike his own.
Toad of Toad Hall (1929) is A.A. Milne’s (1882 – 1956) play adaptation of the previously mentioned children’s book
The Wind in the Willows (1908). The childish innocence of the play makes clear the harmlessness and pleasure of theater, contra Willie’s mother’s claims that it is sinful. As such, the sudden juxtaposition of the play with the summons from Willie’s mother reminds the reader of her unreasonable beliefs and abusiveness, thereby foreshadowing that Willie’s visit to her will go badly.