"
Sunlight instantly shone out on Pansy's face. Dent was a
geologist; and since she conceived herself to be on trial before
Mrs. Meredith this morning, it was of the first importance that she
demonstrate her sympathy and intelligent appreciation of his field
of work.
"Indeed I do feel the greatest pride in it, Mrs. Meredith," she
replied. "I study it a great deal. But of course you know
perfectly the whole formation of this region."
Mrs. Meredith coughed with frank discouragement.
"I do not know it," she admitted dryly. "I suppose I ought to know
it, but I do not. I believe school-teachers understand these
things. I am afraid I am a very ignorant woman. No one of my
acquaintances is very learned. We are not used to scholarship."
"I know all the strata," said Pansy. "I tell the children stories
of how the Mastodon once virtually lived in our stable, and that
millions of years ago there were Pterodactyls under their bed."
"I think it a misfortune for a young woman to have much to say to
children about Pterodactyls under their bed--is that the name?
Such things never seem to have troubled Solomon, and I believe he
was reputed wise." She did not care for the old-fashioned
reference herself, but she thought it would affect Pansy.
"The children in the public schools know things that Solomon never
heard of," said Pansy, contemptuously.
"I do not doubt it in the least, my dear. I believe it was not his
knowledge that made him rather celebrated, but his wisdom.
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