Grove, when she lived with us there. Mr. Moore taught her French: it is his native language."
"I know . . . . . Was she a good pupil, Henry?"
"She was a wild, laughing thing, but pleasant to have in the room: she made lesson-time charming. She learned fast—you could hardly tell when or how. French was nothing to her: she spoke it quick—quick; as quick as Mr. Moore himself."
"Was she obedient? Did she give trouble?"
"She gave plenty of trouble in a way: she was giddy, but I liked her. I'm desperately fond of Shirley."
"Desperately fond—you small simpleton! You don't know what you say."
"I am desperately fond of her: she is the light of my eyes: I said so to Mr. Moore last night."
"He would reprove you for speaking with exaggeration."
"He didn't. He never reproves and reproves, as girls' governesses do. He was reading, and he only smiled into his book, and said that if Miss Keeldar was no more than that, she was less than he took her to be; for I was but a dim-eyed, short-sighted, little chap. I'm afraid I am a poor unfortunate, Miss Caroline Helstone. I am a cripple, you know."
"Never mind, Henry, you are a very nice little fellow; and if God has not given you health and strength, he has given you a good disposition, and an excellent heart and brain."
