Edith (with dignity). I am sixteen, mamma
Sadie. And we promise you, Mrs. Johnson
Mrs. J. Very well, I cannot disappoint my friend; she relies on my coming. Edith, for once you can take my place, and have charge of the girls.
Edith. Very well, mamma; I shall be very strict.
Mrs. J. Like all substitutes, whose power lasts only a short while. But don't go too far—I shall hardly return before eight o'clock, children; so have tea quietly together. I shall certainly be back in time for the celebration. (Aside.) Perhaps I shall surprise them sooner than they expect.
Mamie. Now, ma'am, you'll be late. You stand there and give a long lecture; you ought to have started before this.
Mrs. J. That's so, I must go; come Mamie, help me to get ready. (To the girls) You will keep to your work and do the best you can, will you not? Good-bye, children.
The girls (all together). Good-bye, mamma; good-bye, Mrs. Johnson. Don't worry about us—good-bye. (Mrs. Johnson and Mamie leave by the middle door. The girls begin to work again.)
Katie (as before). Il faut que, it is necessary that; il fallait que, it was necessary that.
Flora (the same). Cain killed Abel, but the Lord saw him and called
Katie. (springing up). No, I can't stand it any longer. I am not going to study the whole afternoon. Mamma is gone; so now I am going to read my novel—there you go, you stupid grammar (throws the book on the floor).
Sadie (coming forward). Oh, yes! let us have a little recess now!
Nellie. And at the same time a little fun; we're not prisoners (puts her work down and joins the others).
Flora (shuts up her book noisily). I tell you what we will do; let us send out for some crullers. I just feel as if I could eat some. Edith, you won't betray us?
Sadie. Surely you wouldn't spoil our fun, Edith?
Edna. Now, don't be strict; let us have a little liberty.
Nellie. Let us have a good time for once in our lives!
All together (crowding around Edith and coaxing her). Edith, please, dear Edith, let us do as we like.
Edith (trying to keep order). I see how it is, when the cat's away
