"Why only German and Italian and French," said Feather, "why not
Latin and Greek, as well, if she is to be so accomplished?"
"It is modern languages one needs at this period. They ought
to be taught in the Board Schools," Coombe replied. "They are
not accomplishments but workman's tools. Nationalities are not
separated as they once were. To be familiar with the language of
one's friends--and one's enemies--is a protective measure."
"What country need one protect oneself against? When all the
kings and queens are either married to each other's daughters or
cousins or take tea with each other every year or so. Just think
of the friendliness of Germany for instance----"
"I do," said Coombe, "very often. That is one of the reasons I
choose German rather than Latin and Greek. Julius Caesar and Nero
are no longer reasons for alarm."
"Is the Kaiser with his seventeen children and his respectable
Frau?" giggled Feather. "All that he cares about is that women
shall be made to remember that they are born for nothing but to
cook and go to church and have babies. One doesn't wonder at the
clothes they wear."
It was not a month after this, however, when Lord Coombe, again
warming himself at his old friend's fire, gave her a piece of
information.
"The German teacher, Herr Wiese, has hastily returned to his own
country," he said.
She lifted her eyebrows inquiringly.
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