I 'd like to , he 's so kind to me about bringing my letters and lending books . '' So I have got his things in order , and knit heels into two pairs of the socks , for they were boggled out of shape with his queer darns . Nothing was said , and I hoped he would n't find it out , but one day last week he caught me at it . Hearing the lessons he gives to others has interested and amused me so much that I took a fancy to learn , for Tina runs in and out , leaving the door open , and I can hear . I had been sitting near this door , finishing off the last sock , and trying to understand what he said to a new scholar , who is as stupid as I am . The girl had gone , and I thought he had also , it was so still , and I was busily gabbling over a verb , and rocking to and fro in a most absurd way , when a little crow made me look up , and there was Mr. Bhaer looking and laughing quietly , while he made signs to Tina not to betray him . `` So ! '' he said , as I stopped and stared like a goose , `` you peep at me , I peep at you , and this is not bad , but see , I am not pleasanting when I say , haf you a wish for German ? '' `` Yes , but you are too busy . I am too stupid to learn , '' I blundered out , as red as a peony . `` Prut ! We will make the time , and we fail not to find the sense . At efening I shall gif a little lesson with much gladness , for look you , Mees Marsch , I haf this debt to pay . '' And he pointed to my work ` Yes , ' they say to one another , these so kind ladies , ` he is a stupid old fellow , he will see not what we do , he will never observe that his sock heels go not in holes any more , he will think his buttons grow out new when they fall , and believe that strings make theirselves . ' `` Ah ! But I haf an eye , and I see much . I haf a heart , and I feel thanks for this . Come , a little lesson then and now , or -- no more good fairy works for me and mine . '' Of course I could n't say anything after that , and as it really is a splendid opportunity , I made the bargain , and we began . I took four lessons , and then I stuck fast in a grammatical bog .
The Professor was very patient with me , but it must have been torment to him , and now and then he 'd XXXXX at me with such an expression of mild despair that it was a toss-up with me whether to laugh or cry .
Come began boggled laughing look looking made pay stared stuck