We have many most respectable and worthy young women who do the same and are employed by the nobility , because , being the daughters of gentlemen , they are both well bred and accomplished , you know , '' said Miss Kate in a patronizing tone that hurt Meg 's pride , and made her work seem not only more distasteful , but degrading . `` Did the German song suit , Miss March ? '' inquired Mr. Brooke , breaking an awkward pause . `` Oh , yes ! It was very sweet , and I 'm much obliged to whoever translated it for me . '' And Meg 's downcast face brightened as she spoke . `` Do n't you read German ? '' asked Miss Kate with a look of surprise . `` Not very well . My father , who taught me , is away , and I do n't get on very fast alone , for I 've no one to correct my pronunciation . '' `` Try a little now . Here is Schiller 's Mary Stuart and a tutor who loves to teach . '' And Mr. Brooke laid his book on her lap with an inviting smile . `` It 's so hard I 'm afraid to try , '' said Meg , grateful , but bashful in the presence of the accomplished young lady beside her . `` I 'll read a bit to encourage you . '' And Miss Kate read one of the most beautiful passages in a perfectly correct but perfectly expressionless manner . Mr. Brooke made no comment as she returned the book to Meg , who said innocently , `` I thought it was poetry . '' `` Some of it is . Try this passage . '' There was a queer smile about Mr. Brooke 's mouth as he opened at poor Mary 's lament .
XXXXX obediently following the long grass-blade which her new tutor used to point with , read slowly and timidly , unconsciously making poetry of the hard words by the soft intonation of her musical voice .
Brooke German Kate Mary Meg Schiller Stuart father lady pronunciation