Then, in a lower voice, turning to Mr.Riley, as though Maggie couldn't hear, "She understands what one's talking about so as never was.

And you should hear her read,--straight off, as if she knowed it all beforehand.

And allays at her book! But it's bad--it's bad," Mr.Tulliver added sadly, checking this blamable exultation.

"A woman's no business wi' being so clever; it'll turn to trouble, I doubt.

But bless you!"-- here the exultation was clearly recovering the mastery,--"she'll read the books and understand 'em better nor half the folks as are growed up." Maggie's cheeks began to flush with triumphant excitement.