children lingered about; it was a trial of temper to all but Tom, who
obtained Richard's attention to his lessons. He liked to say them to
his brother, and was an incentive to learn them quickly, that none
might remain for Miss Winter when Richard went out with his father.
If mamma had been there, she would have had prayers; but now no one
had authority enough, though they did at last even finish breakfast.
Just as the gig came to the door, Dr. May dismissed his last patient,
rang the bell in haste, and as soon as prayers were over, declared he
had an appointment, and had no time to eat. There was a general
outcry that it was bad enough when he was well, and now he must not
take liberties; Flora made him drink some tea; and Richard placed
morsels in his way, while he read his letters. He ran up for a final
look at Margaret, almost upset the staid Miss Winter as he ran down
again, called Richard to take the reins, and was off.

It was French day, always a trial to Ethel. M. Ballompre, the
master, knew what was good and bad French, but could not render a
reason, and Ethel, being versed in the principles of grammar, from
her Latin studies, chose to know the why and wherefore of his
corrections--she did not like to see her pages defaced, and have no
security against future errors; while he thought her a troublesome
pupil, and was put out by her questions. They wrangled, Miss Winter
was displeased, and Ethel felt injured.

Mary's inability to catch the pronunciation, and her hopeless dull
look when she found that coeur must not be pronounced cour, nor cur,
but something between, to which her rosy English lips could never
come--all this did not tease M. Ballompre, for he was used to it.

His mark for Ethel's lesson was "de l'humeur."