I am glad to see her grow.

What a funny remark." "I thought you spoke sadly," explained John.
"Oh, dear no.

Only she is coming to the awkward age." "She is coming to it very gracefully," said John, who wanted to say something pleasant.
"That is the most any of us can hope to do," answered Mrs.Goddard with a little smile.

"We all have our awkward age, I suppose." "I should not think you could remember yours." "Why?
Do you think it was so very long ago ?" Mrs.Goddard laughed.
"No--I cannot believe you ever had any," said John.
The boyish compliment pleased Mrs.Goddard.It was long since any one had flattered her, for flattery did not enter into the squire's system for making himself agreeable.
"Do they teach that sort of thing at Cambridge ?" she asked demurely.
"What sort of thing ?" "Making little speeches to ladies," said she.
"No--I wish they did," said John, laughing.

"I should know much better how to make them.