"You must have taught her those words. I did not."

"I shall have to acknowledge it," I replied, "but I assure you I did not
influence her to make such use of them."

"No, I suppose not; but that question is of small account beside the
knowledge that Mona has begun to learn our speech. Now let us give all our
attention to her instruction."

We did so from that hour, the doctor from high motives of philosophy and
philanthropy, while I was actuated by more selfish reasons. Although I had
learned that I had been too hasty in my attempt to gain Mona's affections
I did not despair of success. I should have to take time and approach the
citadel of her untutored heart with more caution. In the pleasant task of
teaching her the intricacies of the English language I anticipated many
delightful opportunities of leading her into the Elysian fields of
romance. If she could learn to understand fully my intense feeling for her
I had no doubt she would return my passion. With such a hopeful spirit
does the love god inspire his happy victims.

In order to assist in the realization of these rosy fore-thoughts, I
suggested to the doctor that each of us should take his turn in Mona's
instruction, so as to make it as easy and informal for her as possible. He
had no objections to make, and we began a task which proved to be much
simpler than we had imagined. Mona had heard us talk so much that she had
half-learned a great many words and expressions, and her remarkable
quickness of intellect helped her to pick up their meaning rapidly as soon
as we gave her systematic aid. Hence it was not long before she began to
converse with considerable freedom.