She took her books when the lamp was lighted, and in less than an hour she had her lesson learned, copied, and ready for Miss Oliver's inspection. Then she took her knitting, but often let it fall into her lap as she gazed into the fire. Wood was cheap and plenty in Holford, and Hector McGregor would always have a fire on the hearth of the little parlour where he spent his evenings whenever the weather was cool enough to allow it.
"I wish I could take French lessons," said she at last. French was not in the course at Holford school, though Latin was.
"You seem to have lessons enough, and more, than enough, already, I should say," remarked Miss Baby, who had taken down the chessboard and was setting out the men. "I thought Miss Oliver did not give lessons to be learned out of school?"
"She doesn't usually, but this was extra work," replied Marion, finding a good deal of trouble in picking up a stitch. "But why can't I take lessons, Aunt Barbara? There is Therese Beaubien reading French with Kitty Tremaine every day, and singing French songs, and all."
"French comes natural to Therese," said Miss Barbara, "and so it does to Kitty Tremaine for that matter. She was born in Paris, I have heard say, and I know they take French papers, for she gave me some to send Christian."
"Well, I think it is a pity if I can't have as many advantages as Tone Beaubien's daughter."
"You should not speak in that slighting way, Marie," said her grandfather. "Therese is a nice little lass, and it is not her fault that she had not a better father. I hope nobody casts it up to the child."
"I am sure I don't," said Marion. "And there was Aunt Christian, too. She has had French lessons and music, and what not, and now she is in Scotland, and her husband is a cousin of a duke, and I dare say he will call on them."
Grandfather McGregor laughed outright, a very unusual thing for him.
"Oh, lassie, little ye ken. Doubtless the duke will speak to your cousin Duncan if he comes in his way, for I dare say he's a fine gentleman, like most of his forbears, but to call on him! You might as well expect the queen herself."