I tell you again--they mean mischief." Not altogether willingly, Ovid made his apologies.

"If I have misunderstood you, I beg your pardon.

At the same time, I don't think I am to blame.

Why did you mislead me by using that detestable word ?" "Wasn't it the right word ?" "The right word--when you only wanted to speak of a poor sickly child! Considering that you took your degree at Oxford--" "You could expect nothing better from the disadvantages of my education," said the doctor, finishing the sentence with the grave composure that distinguished him.

"When I said 'misbegotten,' perhaps I ought to have said 'half-begotten'?
Thank you for reminding me.