But Delia was going on in answer to some questions from Annette who was a dunce in French, because she was too timid ever to trust herself to speak.
"I believe he would expire of horror if he should hear some of the French that is spoken at our table. He told Bessy Gardiner that her language was worthy of an assassin, because she would persist in putting pas after pouvoir."
"Then you don't like him, Delia," said Bella.
"Oh, yes well enough," said Delia carelessly. "I never had any trouble with him, and then after all, it may not be the same person. Hugo is a very common French name."
"Well you will have an opportunity of seeing him here to-night," said Bella. "Miss Gilbert told me that Mrs. Pomeroy had invited him. You must brush up your French, Annette, for Mrs. Pomeroy will be sure to introduce him to all the French scholars."
Annette looked overcome with consternation at the very idea. "If I thought so, I would not go down—I declare I would not," said she half crying. "I would make some excuse and stay up stairs all the evening."
"That would be really worth while," said Delia rising; "after you have been working all this time, to lose the sight of the tree because you are afraid some one will ask you a question in French. I think I see you giving such a reason to Mrs. Pomeroy." She went into her room as she concluded the sentence, and Emily followed, shutting the door after her.
"Well Delia," said she, "I suppose you are satisfied now that you have gained your point."
"Pretty well satisfied," said Delia. "I thought he would live in the house, but after all perhaps it is just as well as it is."
"I don't know what you mean by 'after all,'" continued Emily, looking very much perplexed and very uncomfortable. "I don't know where you expect it to end."