47296    'Quite happy,' said she, but there was no ring of conviction in her words.

47297    'I had a school,' said Stapleton.

47298    'It was in the north country.

47299    The work to a man of my temperament was mechanical and uninteresting, but the privilege of living with youth, of helping to mould those young minds and of impressing them with one's own character and ideals, was very dear to me.

47300    However, the fates were against us.

47301    A serious epidemic broke out in the school, and three of the boys died.

47302    It never recovered from the blow, and much of my capital was irretrievably swallowed up.

47303    And yet, if it were not for the loss of the charming companionship of the boys, I could rejoice over my own misfortune, for, with my strong tastes for botany and zoology, I find an unlimited field of work here, and my sister is as devoted to Nature as I am.

47304    All this, Dr Watson, has been brought upon your head by your expression as you surveyed the moor out of our window.'

47305    'It certainly did cross my mind that it might be a little dull - less for you, perhaps, than for your sister.'

47306    'No, no, I am never dull,' said she quickly.

47307    'We have books, we have our studies, and we have interesting neighbours.

47308    Dr Mortimer is a most learned man in his own line.

47309    Poor Sir Charles was also an admirable companion.

47310    We knew him well, and miss him more than I can tell.