"Can't you ?" "A little, but Aunt Ann says I have a good accent when I read to her--we often do." "You should say 'without accent,'" he felt better after this assertion of superior knowledge.

She thought his manners bad, but, though more amused than annoyed, felt herself snubbed and was silent for a time.

He was quick to perceive that he had better have held his critical tongue, and said pleasantly, "But really it don't matter--only I was told that in France." She was as quick to reply, "You shouldn't say 'don't matter,' I say that sometimes, and then Uncle James comes down on me." "Why?
I am really at a loss--" "Oh! you must say 'doesn't'-- not 'don't.'" She shook her great mass of hair and cried merrily, "I guess we are about even now, John Penhallow." Then they laughed gaily, as the boy said, "I wasn't very--very courteous." "Now that's pretty, John.

Good gracious, Billy!" she cried, punching the broad back of the driver.

"Are you asleep?
You are all over the road." "Oh! I was thinkin' how Pole, the butcher, sold the Squire a horse that's spavined--got it sent back--funny, wasn't it ?" "Look out," said Leila, "you will upset us." John looked the uneasiness he felt, as he said, "Do you think it is safe ?" "No, I don't.