Of course you are all more or
less familiar with all the facts that I should have to present, and the
boys would know it. They are sharp fellows; it wouldn't take them an
hour to discover that we were fishing for them; and if there is any one
thing on which they are at present determined, it is, probably, that
they will not be benefited. What is there that one of us knows, of which
the others are ignorant? French won't do, for Miss Dennis is acquainted
with that language, I think, and so are you, Ried, are you not?"
"Well, I can stammer through a few sentences. I don't speak it like a
native as you do."
At this revelation a vivid blush glowed on Gracie Dennis' cheek. She
remembered Professor Ellis' comments in French. Then the doctor had
understood, though his face was so imperturbable! What could he have
thought of the courtesy of her guest?
Meantime Mr. Ried wore a perplexed face.
"You are right," he said to the doctor; "we are not enough on a level; I
felt our advantage last night when Miss Dennis was explaining the
type-writer; but I don't see the way clear. What subject is there on
which all but one of us could meet on common ground, and that one could
turn professor?"
Here interposed Mr. Roberts, speaking in a meek tone of voice:--
"If I were not a modest man I should venture a suggestion; as it is, I
really don't know what to do.
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