"Would you like it?"
"I would a great deal rather study at home, Sir, if you will let me."
"What do you know now?"
"Oh, I can't tell, Sir," said Ellen; "I don't know anything very well, unless "
"Unless what?" said her uncle, laughing; "come! now for your accomplishments."
"I had rather not say what I was going to, uncle; please don't ask me."
"Yes, yes," said he; "I shan't let you off. Unless what?"
"I was going to say, unless riding," said Ellen, colouring.
"Riding! and pray how did you learn to ride? Catch a horse by the mane, and mount him by the fence, and canter off bare- backed? was that it eh?"
"Not exactly, Sir," said Ellen, laughing.