"Where did you learn to write?" said the old man crossly.
Paul merely looked at him shamedly, and did not answer.
"He is a bad writer," put in Mrs. Morel apologetically. Then she pushed up her veil. Paul hated her for not being prouder with this common little man, and he loved her face clear of the veil.
"And you say you know French?" inquired the little man, still sharply.
"Yes," said Paul.
"What school did you go to?"
"The Board-school."
"And did you learn it there?"
"No—I—" The boy went crimson and got no further.
"His godfather gave him lessons," said Mrs. Morel, half-pleading and rather distant.