Jane. Why, ma'am, I have; but it has always ended by his being excused and I scolded.
Mrs. L. Stay here. You shall see if I excuse him! He might change his clothes ten times, pull up a plant or two, pick a few flowers, or even trouble you at your work. I don't see anything so very dreadful in all that. But to twist my parrot's neck! Oh!—
Scene V.—Enter Patrick.
Mrs. L. Well, Patrick—
Patrick (rubbing his legs and making wry faces). He is coming, ma'am—
Mrs. L. What's the matter?
Patrick. Master Ned has been breaking a stick over my legs.
Mrs. L. (very angry). The child's a demon! I am outrageous! I am furious!
Mr. S. Control yourself, madam! do not fly so suddenly from extreme indulgence to severity; do not correct a child when you are in a passion.
Mrs. L. You may be right, sir, but I shall punish him as he deserves.