Here, as in the instance of the pictures, your good-nature and
kindness carry you far beyond what I ever dreamed of asking. I
merely thought that in some of your moments of leisure you could
jot down some books and subjects that would be the same as if you
had pointed out smooth and shady paths. You see, in my ignorance,
I've tried to push my way through the wilderness straight across
everything. Last evening I pestered my father with so many questions
about politics and the topics of the day, that he thought I had
lost my wits."
Mr. Mayhew leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily, as he
mentally ejaculated: "Well done, little girl!"
"I will brush up my literary ideas, and do the best I can, very
gladly," said Van Berg. "But you greatly underrate yourself and
overrate my ability. I am still but on the edge of this wilderness
of knowledge myself, and in crossing a wilderness one likes company."
"Oh, I could never keep up with your manly strides," said Ida, with
a sudden trill of laughter. "Having secured my wish, I shall now
reward you with some very poor music, which will suggest my need
of lessons in that direction also."
Van Berg was not long in discovering that she would never become a
great musician, no matter how many lessons she had.
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