“You’re a big boy of your age,” said Ida. “My cousin Dick is a year older than you, but he isn’t as large.”
Dick looked pleased. Boys generally like to be told that they are large of their age.
“How old be you?” asked Dick, beginning to feel more at his ease.
“I’m nine years old,” said Ida. “I go to Miss Jarvis’s school. I’ve just begun to learn French. Do you know French?”
“Not enough to hurt me,” said Dick.
Ida laughed again, and told him that he was a droll boy.
“Do you like it?” asked Dick.
“I like it pretty well, except the verbs. I can’t remember them well. Do you go to school?”
“I’m studying with a private tutor,” said Dick.
“Are you? So is my cousin Dick. He’s going to college this year. Are you going to college?”