| Page. | |
|---|---|
| Introduction. | [v] |
| Chapter I. | |
| O’Neill’s Great Plans | [1] |
| Chapter II. | |
| Grammar and Phrase Book | [6] |
| Chapter III. | |
| The Recitations in the Wood | [18] |
| Chapter IV. | |
| The Purchase of the Pens | [22] |
| Chapter V. | |
| Local Colour | [31] |
| Chapter VI. | |
| A Wash-List in Dutch | [37] |
| Chapter VII. | |
| Some Misunderstandings | [48] |
| Chapter VIII. | |
| Out for a Walk | [52] |
| Chapter IX. | |
| The Quest of Mijnheer Hiernaast | [68] |
| Chapter X. | |
| The Parcel Post | [77] |
| Chapter XI. | |
| A Successful Interview | [89] |
| Chapter XII. | |
| Dutch Correspondence | [100] |
[CHAPTER I.]
O’NEILL’S GREAT PLANS.
We were seated one November evening in O’Neill’s rooms in Trinity College Dublin when the conversation turned on modern languages.
Each had his own story to tell, but we waited in vain for our host to unbosom himself on the subject of Dutch. Yet he was understood to have had thrilling experiences in the Hague in August.
By a few gentle hints we endeavoured to elicit from him some talk about his linguistic adventures, and, not succeeding very well, I at last asked him point-blank if he didn’t find Dutch hard.
“Yes”, said O’Neill promptly, in answer to my question. “Yes: it certainly is hard!” he repeated, as he balanced the poker, preparatory to smashing the biggest piece of coal on the fire. “Why the whole thing’s next to impossible!”
O’NEILL’S GREAT PLANS.
There was something in his tone that sounded promising. He had a grievance evidently against the language; and there was a sufficient amount of suppressed irritation in his voice to indicate that there might be entertaining disclosures at hand.