“So be it,” said Belle. “I do not expect to see either of you until this evening. I am off at once to my study. The Greek dialects, classified as Ionian and non-Ionian, are full of the deepest interest.”
She fled from the room in a sort of whirlwind, slamming the door after her.
Mrs. Acheson looked at Annie.
“Belle is a dear, good creature,” she said in a half-hesitating way; “but still it seems a pity.”
“What?” asked Annie.
“That she should be quite so devoted to the dead languages. Surely things of living moment are much more important?”
“Well, I happen to be very fond of the classics myself,” answered Annie, “so I ought not to blame Belle; but she does go to the fair with the thing, does she not?”
“It seems so to me, dear; but then I am, comparatively speaking, an ignorant woman. We women of the last generation had not the advantages which you young creatures now receive. What Belle means by the Ionian and non-Ionian dialects I am absolutely ignorant about.”
“It does not matter,” said Annie gently.
“I agree with you; my love, it scarcely matters much; but your pale cheeks and that anxious expression in your eyes matter a great deal. If I can be of any use to you, Annie, understand that I shall be only too pleased.”