"For my part," said Matilda, "I wonder you do not grasp the opportunity of having a real rest. If you knew how I detest work?"
"You see, I love it," said Kate. "Perhaps you will allow me to go on with it now. Is not your book interesting?"
"Pretty well; it's about a girl who didn't know anything at all; but all the same she seemed to have an uncommonly jolly time of it. I can't make out what is the use of grinding: it spoils your eyes, and your figure, and your temper, and men don't think a bit the more of you for it. After all, women are sent into the world just to please the men."
"I should like to ask you a question," said Kate. "Why, with your views, did you trouble to come to Redgarth?"
"Simply and entirely," replied Matilda, "because it is the fashion just at present for girls to be educated. Mother took it into her head that I must be in the fashion. I am just going to scrape through somehow, just to please mother. I do hope she will let me leave at the end of the summer term."
"I sincerely hope so, too," answered Kate.
"Why do you say that?"
"Because girls like you are a disgrace to a place like Redgarth."
"Don't you think you are very rude?" said Matilda, flushing deeply.
"I am sorry if I am, but you force me to speak plainly, now and then. Will you stop talking now and let me return to my Homer."