So Ariadne concealed her vexation at Rose 's coolness , and changed the subject as fast as possible . `` Studying French , I see ; who is your teacher ? '' she asked , flitting over the leaves of `` Paul and Virginia , '' that lay on the table . `` I do n't study it , for I read French as well as English , and uncle and I often speak it for hours . He talks like a native , and says I have a remarkably good accent . '' Rose really could not help this small display of superiority , for French was one of her strong points , and she was vain of it , though she usually managed to hide this weakness . She felt that Ariadne would be the better for a little crushing , and could not resist the temptation to patronise in her turn . `` Oh , indeed ! '' said Miss Blish , rather blankly , for French was not her strong point by any means . `` I am to go abroad with uncle in a year or two , and he knows how important it is to understand the languages . Half the girls who leave school ca n't speak decent French , and when they go abroad they are so mortified . I shall be very glad to help you , if you like , for , of course , you have no one to talk with at home . '' Now Ariadne , though she looked like a wax doll , had feelings within her instead of sawdust , and these feelings were hurt by Rose 's lofty tone . She thought her more `` stuck up '' than ever , but did not know how to bring her down , yet longed to do it , for she felt as if she had received a box on the ear , and involuntarily put her hand up to it . The touch of an ear-ring consoled her , and suggested a way of returning tit for tat in a telling manner . `` Thank you , dear ; I do n't need any help , for our teacher is from Paris , and of course he speaks better French than your uncle . '' Then she added , with a gesture of her head that set the little bells on her ears to tingling : `` How do you like my new ear-rings ? Papa gave them to me last week , and everyone says they are lovely . '' Rose came down from her high horse with a rapidity that was comical , for Ariadne had the upper hand now . Rose adored pretty things , longed to wear them , and the desire of her girlish soul was to have her ears bored , only Dr. Alec thought it foolish , so she never had done it .
She would gladly have given all the XXXXX she could jabber for a pair of golden bells with pearl-tipped tongues , like those Ariadne wore ; and , clasping her hands , she answered , in a tone that went to the hearer 's heart , `` They are too sweet for anything !
Alec English French Paul Rose Virginia ear-rings hours tit year