`` Oh , indeed ! '' said Miss Kate , but she might as well have said , `` Dear me , how dreadful ! '' for her tone implied it , and something in her face made Meg color , and wish she had not been so frank . Mr. Brooke looked up and said quickly , `` Young ladies in America love independence as much as their ancestors did , and are admired and respected for supporting themselves . '' `` Oh , yes , of course it 's very nice and proper in them to do so . 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 XXXXX read one of the most beautiful passages in a perfectly correct but perfectly expressionless manner .
America Brooke German Kate Meg Schiller Stuart lap presence pronunciation