"That was very kind," said I.
"Not half so kind," said she, "as it was of you to get everything ready for me in the dead of last night."
After tea, we resumed our study of Armenian. "First of all, tell me," said Belle, "what a verb is?"
"A part of speech," said I, "which, according to the dictionary, signifies some action or passion. For example: I command you, or I hate you."
"I have given you no cause to hate me," said Belle, looking me sorrowfully in the face.
"I was merely giving two examples," said I. "In Armenian, there are four conjugations of verbs; the first ends in al, the second in yel, the third in oul, and the fourth in il. Now, have you understood me?"
"I am afraid, indeed, it will all end ill," said Belle.
"Let us have no unprofitable interruptions," said I. "Come, we will begin with the verb hntal, a verb of the first conjugation, which signifies rejoice. Come along. Hntam, I rejoice; hntas, thou rejoicest. Why don't you follow, Belle?"
"I'm sure I don't rejoice, whatever you may do," said Belle.
"The chief difficulty, Belle," said I, "that I find in teaching you the Armenian grammar proceeds from your applying to yourself and me every example I give."