Dan. Yes: she was spoiled having her own way. Fell down when she was told to stand up, and broke her cheek. Doctors were sent for; but they couldn’t do any thing. She ought to have that face tied up. Where’s her pocket-handkerchief? Here it is. Now, isn’t that a beauty? Aggy says the sailor-boy brought it home to her from China. There, now her face is tied up, she won’t get cold. Do you see this pretty girl with the pink dress and curly hair? She is to be the wife of the sailor-boy. These two sit close together all the time, waiting for their wedding-day. The wedding-cake is ordered. See how smiling they look! and no wonder. I will tell you who is invited to the wedding; but you mustn’t tell. First, all the— Oh! here comes Aggy. Wait till by and by.
(Enter Agnes, dressed up in her mother’s clothes, with gay head-dress.)
Lulu (laughing). Oh, what a good mother! What’ll your name be?
Agnes. Mrs. White. (Tiptoes up at the glass, twists and turns, arranges bows, strings, collar, &c.) This is the way mother does.
Dan. Shall I be the father, and do the way father does?
All the Girls. Oh, yes, yes! Do!
(Dan goes out. Agnes walks stiffly to a chair, speaks to the children very soberly.)
Agnes. Children (unfolding aprons), come and let me put on your sleeved aprons.
Lulu and Bel (whining). I don’t want to.
Agnes (stiffly). Little girls must think mother knows best. Come, mind mother. (Sleeved aprons are put on.) Now, children (speaking slowly), I am going to have company this afternoon; and you must be very good children. What do you say when a gentleman speaks to you? (Children stand with folded hands.)