Page:Passions 2.pdf/74

62

Mrs. Free. And where was you then?

Charl. Just behind the train of Mrs. Baltimore's gown, till he should go out again.

Mrs. Free. And so you sneaked quietly in your hiding-place, and heard all this insolent abuse? Mean creature! a girl of any spirit would have rushed out upon him with indignation.

Charl. And so I did rush out.

Mrs. Free. And what did you. say to him?

''Charl. (sillily)'' I did not say any thing.

Mrs. Free. I hope you resented it, then, by the silent dignity of your behaviour.

''Charl. (much embarrassed.)'' I'm sure I don't know—I did but give him a little make-believe kick with my slipper, as he went out at the door, when he turned round of a sudden, with a pair of terrible eyes staring upon me like the Great Mogul.

Mrs. Free. A make-believe kick! what do you mean by that?

Charl. La! just a little kick on—on—

Mrs. Free. On what, child? Charl. La! just upon his coat behind as he went out at the door.

Mrs. F. And did you do that? Oh! it is enough to make one mad! You are just fit to live with the Indians, indeed, or the wild Negroes, or the Hottentots! To disgrace yourself thus, after all the pains I have taken with you! It is enough to drive one mad! Go to your own room directly, and get sixteen pages of blank verse by