The child heaved a deep sigh.
"Ah, Sir Joshua! It is not that she is unkind in any way, but she is my constant shadow. In the wings, in the greenroom, at the rehearsals, she is ever at my side, answering questions which are put to me, refusing invitations, reading letters which are addressed to me, and forcing me to sing psalms to put to rout the evil thoughts which I find in Shakespeare!"
"I see; and you long to be free?"
"Oh, yes, passionately!"
"And what use would you make of your liberty?"
"Oh, I can't fancy. Perhaps I might love virtue if it were not crammed down my throat."
"Good!"
"But you do not know the worst yet."
"Well?"
"The worst—is Reuben!"