Edward. Nothing to me, mamma; but the wicked little squinting thing had bitten Jane's finger, when she was kindly giving him some sugar; and she cried, and seeing the tears rolling down her cheeks, I got very angry, quite in a rage. I am very sorry, but I did not think that Jane would have been the one to accuse me.
Mrs. L. There, Jane! you are an ungrateful creature! You have tried to poison my mind against my son!
Jane. But, Mrs. Langdon—
Mrs. L. Be silent! Your affair is settled. But, Edward, when Patrick came to call you, why did you break a stick over his legs?
Edward. It was very wrong in me, mamma; but I had just gathered some splendid roses for you: they were on the ground, and the clumsy fellow trampled upon them without seeing them. It put me in such a passion, I did whack him once or twice. I beg his pardon, mamma.
Mrs. L. He should ask yours, you dear boy! I order you all to apologize to my son, or I shall discharge you. You first, Jane. My son would not for twenty gardens, or poll parrots, do a mean thing or tell a lie; he shall be respected and obeyed as I am; and those who don't like it can leave.
Andrew (ironically). I beg your pardon, Master Edward, for the good switching you so kindly gave me; I beg your pardon for the damage you did to the garden; you will oblige me by continuing to tumble everything topsy-turvy, and break all the rest.
Patrick. Forgive me, Master Edward, for all the pretty little capers you cut up.
Edward. Oh, certainly. Mamma, they are good sort of people, after all; and I hope you will excuse their coming to complain of me.
Mrs. L. To oblige you, my dear son, I will. You see, all of you, how amiable he is. And now remember, the very first complaint he makes of you, I will discharge you. Leave the room.