"No, I think not," said Fleda; the quick blood in her cheeks again answering the familiar voice and old associations;--"I know several of the farmers' daughters around us that have studied Latin and Greek; and philosophy is a common thing; and I am sure there is more sense"--
She suddenly checked herself, and her eye which had been sparkling grew quiet.
"It is very absurd!" said Mr. Stackpole
"Why, sir?"
"O--these people have nothing to do with such things--do them nothing but harm!"
"May I ask again, what harm?" said Fleda gently.
"Unfit them for the duties of their station and make them discontented with it."
"By making it pleasanter?"
"No, no--not by making it pleasanter."
"By what then, Mr. Stackpole?" said Thorn, to draw him on and to draw her out, Fleda was sure.