" Don't know a word. I'm very stupid about studying anything, can't bear French, it's such a slippery, silly sort of language, " was the brusque reply.
Any mention of her 'works' always had a bad effect upon Jo, who either grew rigid and looked offended, or changed the subject with a brusque remark, as now.
The world's chancelleries had been initially appalled by the mercurial and crotchety frontier president, and Van Buren - cordial, discreet, and immaculate - buffered them from Jackson's brusque manner.