Peale portrayed Mrs. Mifflin, born Rebecca Edgell, in the act of instructing her granddaughter in virtue and morals from an emblem book. The atmosphere of affectionate serenity with which the well-knit group is imbued probably indicates that Mrs. Mifflin was a contented, pleasant matron and a good mother to her three children. It also reflects Peale"s own love for family life and his reverence for domestic happiness.