'Can't you remember first to divide, second multiply, third subtract, and fourth bring down ?' 'No, I can't.

I can't remember anything, and if I could, how do I know what to divide or what to bring down?
I am stupid, and shall never know anything,' was Maude's sobbing reply, as she covered her face with her slate.
Maude's tears always moved Jerry, who tried to reassure the weeping girl with the assurance that perhaps, if she tried very hard, she might some time know enough to teach a district school.

This was the height of Jerry's ambition, to teach a district school and board around; but Maude's aspirations were different.

She was rich.

She was to be a belle and wear diamonds and satins like her mother; and so it did not matter so much whether she understood long division or not, though it did hurt her a little to be so far outstripped by Jerry, who was younger than herself.
To Arthur, Jerry was a constant delight and surprise, and nothing astonished or pleased him more than the avidity with which she took up German.