“How do you know that?”
“Because you do not love either Greek or mathematics, and no one who does not love can teach.”
“That is nonsense! If I don’t love Greek enough to teach it, I love you enough to teach you,” said Forgue.
“You are my riding-master,” said Arctura; “Mr. Grant is my master in Greek.”
Forgue strangled an imprecation on Mr. Grant, and tried to laugh, but there was not a laugh inside him.
“Then you won’t ride to-day?” he said.
“I think not,” replied Arctura.
She ought to have said she would not. It is a pity to let doubt alight on decision. Her reply re-opened the whole question.
“I cannot see what should induce you to allow that fellow the honour of reading with you!” said Forgue. “He’s a long-winded, pedantic, ill-bred lout!”
“Mr. Grant is my friend!” said Arctura, and raising her head looked him in the eyes.