It is impossible to get over that." Mrs.Goddard was not positively sure what he meant by "getting over the rhythm;" possibly John himself could not have defined his meaning very clearly.

But his cheeks glowed and he was very much pleased.
"Yes, of course," said Mrs.Goddard confidently.

"But what does it all mean, Mr.Short ?" "Would you really like to know ?" asked John in fresh embarrassment.

He suddenly realised how wonderfully delightful it was to be repeating his own poetry to the woman for whom it was written.
"Indeed yes--what is the use of your telling me all sorts of things in Greek, if you do not tell me what they mean ?" "Yes--you will promise not to be offended ?" "Of course," said Mrs.Goddard; then blushing a little she added, "it is quite--I mean--quite the sort of thing, is not it ?" "Oh quite," said John, blushing too, but looking grave for a moment.

Then he repeated the English translation of the verses which, as they were certainly not so good as the original, may be omitted here.