It amused
her to invent a scheme for managing the headstrong talkers, and also let
off a certain spirit of mischief which in some of these nervous girls
shows itself in much more questionable forms. How cunning these
half-hysteric young persons are, to be sure! I had to watch a long time
before I detected the telegraphic communication between the two
conspirators. I have no doubt she had sedulously schooled the little
monkey to his business, and found great delight in the task of
instruction.
But now that our Scheherezade has become a scholar instead of a teacher,
she seems to be undergoing a remarkable transformation. Astronomy is
indeed a noble science. It may well kindle the enthusiasm of a youthful
nature. I fancy at times that I see something of that starry light which
I noticed in the young man's eyes gradually kindling in hers. But can it
be astronomy alone that does it? Her color comes and goes more readily
than when the old Master sat next her on the left. It is having this
young man at her side, I suppose. Of course it is. I watch her with
great, I may say tender interest. If he would only fall in love with
her, seize upon her wandering affections and fancies as the Romans seized
the Sabine virgins, lift her out of herself and her listless and weary
drudgeries, stop the outflow of this young life which is draining itself
away in forced literary labor--dear me, dear me--if, if, if--
"If I were God
An' ye were Martin Elginbrod!"
I am afraid all this may never be.
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