It was like the old winter’s-tale of the frog and the cauldron.
If one were to place a living frog in a cauldron of boiling water, it would reflexively jump out, thus saving itself.
If, however, one were to place the same frog in a cauldron of cool water, then gradually increase the temperature, degree by degree, the frog would remain content to paddle in small circles until, without ever realizing what was happening, it died.
Boiled to death.
Gradually. Gradually.
Thus it was with the Huntleys. Gradually. Gradually.
And they would regret to their dying days that they did not truly notice it coming.