"I don't think so."
"Then you'll have to learn," declared Nat firmly.
"I don't mind if I do."
Silence fell again. Nat did not like to continue the games topic, for the new girl displayed not the slightest interest or enthusiasm in it. She glanced at the clock. Only five minutes before the tea bell rang. A new thought struck her.
"I say, this is one of the days when you have to speak French at meals. No English is allowed at the senior tables under penalty of a penny fine. Do you know much French?"
"Not a word."
Nat gazed incredulously. "Not really? Honest Injun, you're not pulling my leg?"
"Indeed, no. I was never taught French."
"Never taught French! I forgot you've never been to school nor had a governess."
Nat looked hard at the new girl, but there was no sign of mischievous propensities in her expression; she merely appeared bored at having to answer all these tiresome questions.