‘Homer’s Iliad and Plato,—I told mamma you were intense—Hallam’s Middle Ages and Macaulay’s History of England. I had no idea you had monarchical tendencies. I must take you to our little chapel, and show you the communion service that belonged to Charles the Second, or perhaps it was one of the Georges, I’m not very clear on that point. My dear Paul, you’re delicious! To think of anybody voluntarily undertaking to scrape acquaintance with all these dry-as-dust worthies, and in summertime!’
‘It is not easy for you to understand how hungry I am,’ said Pauline, with a tremor in her voice. ‘You have been going to school all your life.’
‘Unfortunately, yes!’ sighed Belle. ‘But don’t pine for the experience. You will soon have enough of it. May I inquire when you expect to find time for these exhilarating researches?’
Pauline laughed.
‘Between the hours of five and eight A.M.’
‘Horrible!’
She faced round upon her suddenly.
‘I wonder what you think of us all? You are as demure as a fieldmouse, but I know those big eyes of yours have taken our measures by this time. Come, let us have it, “the whole truth,” you know. Don’t be Ananias and keep back part of the price. “Oh, wad some power the giftie gie us, to see oorsels as ithers see us.” I delight in revelations. Show me myself, Paul.’
Pauline hesitated for a moment, then she spoke out bravely.
‘I love you all, dearly. You have been so kind! But, Belle, if I had your opportunities, I would make more of my life.’