J. J. Bell

“ Christina's tone was triumphant.
"That is true," said Miss Purvis, recovering herself. "But we may as well make a beginning to-night, and perhaps miss a lesson some night later on. Now, pay attention, Christina.... The first thing we have to do is to learn what grammar is. What is grammar?" ”

“ At last Christina picked up the poker again, and laid it down without a sound.
"Onything for peace," she muttered. Then, catching sight of her aunt's countenance, which was more sad than angry, she repented. "Tell us what grammar is, auntie," she said respectfully.
The simple soul of Miss Purvis was at once touched and gratified.
"I'll tell you with pleasure, my dear," she said kindly. "And, Christina, you must not think that I am going to give you lessons just to give you trouble. It is for your own good. Don't you believe that?"
"Uh-ha," said Christina awkwardly. ”

“ The young man's in debt, ye see, an' she——"
"That will do, Christina. How often have I told you that you are too young to read novels? Give it to me, and attend to what I say." Miss Purvis held out her hand for the novelette, which her niece resigned with reluctance.
"Now," continued Miss Purvis, "I am going to give you a lesson in grammar. It seems to me that grammar is not properly taught now-a-days. When I was a girl at school I got a prize for grammar alone——"
"They're no' sae free wi' the prizes noo-a-days," remarked Christina. ”