In some surprise he admitted his visitors.
"We are come to talk to you, Leonard," said Mr.Dale; "but I fear we shall disturb Mrs.Fairfield." "Oh, no, sir! the door to the staircase is shut, and she sleeps soundly." "Why, this is a French book! Do you read French, Leonard ?" asked Riccabocca.
"I have not found French difficult, sir.

Once over the grammar, and the language is so clear; it seems the very language for reasoning." "True.

Voltaire said justly, 'Whatever is obscure is not French,'" observed Riccabocca.
"I wish I could say the same of English," muttered the parson.
"But what is this,--Latin too ?--Virgil ?" "Yes, sir.

But I find I make little way there without a master.

I fear I must give it up" (and Leonard sighed).
The two gentlemen exchanged looks, and seated themselves.