had without trouble. But I should like it if you would not mind."

"You know how sick you were of it before;--besides, I shall never be
able to speak it."

"I shall not get sick of it now, Isa."

"Oh yes you would;--in two days."

"And I want you to speak it. I desire it especially."

"Why especially?" asked Isa. And even she, with all her
tranquillity of demeanour, could hardly preserve her even tone and
quiet look, as she asked the necessary question.

"I will tell you why," said Herbert; and as he spoke, he got up from
his seat, and took a step or two over towards her, where she was
sitting near the window. Isa, as she saw him, still continued her
work, and strove hard to give to the stitches all that attention
which they required. "I will tell you why I would wish you to talk
my language. Because I love you, Isa, and would have you for my
wife,--if that be possible."

She still continued her work, and the stitches, if not quite as
perfect as usual, sufficed for their purpose.

"That is why I wish it. Now will you consent to learn from me
again?"

"If I did, Herbert, that consent would include another."