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Charl. I wish I were with some of the wild people that run in the woods, and know nothing about accomplishments! I know I shall be a blundering creature all my life, getting into scrapes that no body else gets into; I know I shall. Why need I study my carriage, and pin back my shoulders, and hamper myself all day long, only to be laughed at after all?

Mrs. Free. I don't know what you may meet with when you chuse to visit by yourself, Miss Freeman, but in my company, at least, you may be satisfied upon that score.

Charl. And what satisfaction will it be to me that we are ridiculous together? I would rather be laughed at alone than have people laughing at us both, as they do.

''Mrs. Free. (with amazement.)'' The creature is beside herself in good earnest! What do you mean child? Who have you been with? Who has put these things into your head? If Mrs. Baltimore can find no better conversation for you than this kind of insolent impertinence, she is poorly employed indeed.

Charl. It was not Mrs. Baltimore that said so.

Mrs. Free. Who said so then? somebody has, I find.

Charl. It was Mr. Baltimore.

Mrs. Free. And you had the meanness to suffer such words in your presence?

Charl. It was not in my presence neither, for he did not see me.