Before being sure, however, give me a hint of where you see your duty." "In showing her four European countries--I shall leave her the choice of two of them--and in giving her the opportunity of perfecting herself in French, which she already knows very well." Ralph frowned a little.

"That sounds rather dry--even allowing her the choice of two of the countries." "If it's dry," said his mother with a laugh, "you can leave Isabel alone to water it! She is as good as a summer rain, any day." "Do you mean she's a gifted being ?" "I don't know whether she's a gifted being, but she's a clever girl--with a strong will and a high temper.

She has no idea of being bored." "I can imagine that," said Ralph; and then he added abruptly: "How do you two get on ?" "Do you mean by that that I'm a bore?
I don't think she finds me one.
Some girls might, I know; but Isabel's too clever for that.

I think I greatly amuse her.

We get on because I understand her, I know the sort of girl she is.