Take my word for that, and a wiser man's--By the way, do you understand Latin ?" "No, sir." "I am sorry to hear it.

But perhaps you play the drum ?" "I--I have never tried, sir." "Dear, dear, this is unfortunate: but at least you can serve me by leading me round the garden and telling me where the several flowers grow, and how they come on.

That will be something." "I will try, sir: but indeed I can hardly tell one flower from another." At this his face fell again.

"Do you, by chance, know a bee when you see one ?" "A bee?
Oh yes, sir." "Come, we have touched bottom at length! Do you understand bees?
Can you handle them ?" Here Isabel, seeing my chapfallen face, interposed.
"And if he does not, papa, you will have the pleasure of teaching him." "Very true, my dear.

You must excuse me"-- here Major Brooks turned as if seeing me with his sightless eyes.