Any such attempts at first would have been premature; but I think the time has come." Miriam knew no language but her own, and Eleanor by no means purposed inviting her to a course of grammar and exercise.

She herself, with her husband's assistance, had learned to read Italian in the only rational way for mature-minded persons--simply taking the text and a close translation, and glancing from time to time at a skeleton accidence.
This, of course, will not do in the case of fools, but Miriam Baske, all appearances notwithstanding, did not belong to that category.

On hearing her cousin's proposition, she at first smiled coldly; but she did not reject it, and in a day or two they had made a fair beginning of the 'Inferno.' Such a beginning, indeed, as surprised Eleanor, who was not yet made aware that Miriam worked at the book in private with feverish energy--drank at the fountain like one perishing of thirst.
Andersen's exquisite story was not so readily accepted, yet this too before long showed a book-marker.

And Miriam's countenance brightened; she could not conceal this effect.

Her step was a little lighter, and her speech became more natural.
A relapse was to be expected; it came at the bidding of sirocco.