"Then you would not be able to write a letter without making mistakes?"
"No, I know I should make a lot of mistakes. I can spell French words all right at the commencement, but the endings I find very difficult. I find it much easier to write in English, and I think I ought to tell you so now."
"Have you never been to school?"
"No, never. I only know what my father and mother taught me. When we stopped on the roads they used to make me study, but I never studied very much."
"You are a good girl to tell me so frankly. We must see to that, but for the moment let us attend to what we have on hand."
It was not until the afternoon, when they were driving out, that he again referred to her spelling.
"Have you written to your relations yet?" he asked.
"No, sir."
"Why not?"
"Because I would like nothing better than to stay here with you, who are so kind to me," she said.