They learn more from themselves than from us. They take
shape, form, outline. Let them."
"Mr. Kinosling!" Another spinster--undeterred by what had happened
to Miss Beam--leaned fair forward, her face shining and ardent. "Mr.
Kinosling, there's a question I DO wish to ask you."
"My dear Miss Cosslit," Mr. Kinosling responded, again waving his hand
and watching it, "I am entirely at your disposal."
"WAS Joan of Arc," she asked fervently, "inspired by spirits?"
He smiled indulgently. "Yes--and no," he said. "One must give both
answers. One must give the answer, yes; one must give the answer, no."
"Oh, THANK you!" said Miss Cosslit, blushing.
"She's one of my great enthusiasms, you know."
"And I have a question, too," urged Mrs. Lora Rewbush, after a moment's
hasty concentration. "'I've never been able to settle it for myself, but
NOW----"
"Yes?" said Mr. Kinosling encouragingly.
"Is--ah--is--oh, yes: Is Sanskrit a more difficult language than
Spanish, Mr. Kinosling?"
"It depends upon the student," replied the oracle smiling. "One must not
look for linguists everywhere. In my own especial case--if one may cite
one's self as an example--I found no great, no insurmountable difficulty
in mastering, in conquering either."
"And may _I_ ask one?" ventured Mrs. Bassett. "Do you think it is right
to wear egrets?"
"There are marks of quality, of caste, of social distinction," Mr.
Kinosling began, "which must be permitted, allowed, though perhaps
regulated.
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