"Oh, I thought the poets of this age gave themselves out as the teachers of the world; but you take a lower view. I am glad to meet with some one who is reasonable. The young ladies have all got so clever, so accomplished, and so scientific since I left England, that I am a little afraid of them. I hope you are not very accomplished."
"Not at all," said Elsie.
"Don't you play the most brilliant music with great execution?"
"I do not play at all."
"Nor sketch from nature—nor draw from the round—nor paint flowers?"
"Nothing of the kind."
"Then you must have gone in for science, and you are more formidable than any of the sex."
"My uncle wished me to go in for science, but unluckily I came out without acquiring it."
"How glad I am to hear it! I can talk to you without being tripped up at an incorrect date, or an inaccurate scientific or historical fact. You can warrant yourself safe to let me blunder on?"
"Is it not very good of the young ladies to set you right if you are wrong, and if they are able to do so?"