Mary. Well, am I not as good? I don't live in such a fine house, crammed full of gimcracks; but I've got a dictionary that you can study in, and big Peter, your father, shall hang a great switch over the mantelpiece, to remind you that he won't stand any nonsense, or idleness, from you. Dear me! how glad he will be to see you! Come, run with a hop, skip, and jump, to the stable, and harness up old Whitenose: it's high time we were off.
Edward (sighing). Yes, mother.
Mary. But first bid Mr. Sherwood good-by, and the rest. Thank them all for their kindness to you; wait here a moment, till I come back.
[Exit.
Mr. S. Well, Edward, or Morris I should say, you see that nothing is sure in this world: and I cannot but think that this reverse will do you good. You treated every one except your mother—as you supposed Mrs. Langdon was—with harshness, insult, and insolence: perhaps now you will learn, in the very strongest manner, the exact meaning and intention of the Golden Rule.
Edward. Oh, how unhappy I am! The very servants are more fortunate! They at least can live with Mrs. Langdon.
Mr. S. You despised and insulted your own mother; you struck your brother; suppose he in return should—
Edward (weeping). Oh stop, I beg, Mr. Sherwood!
Mr. S. You weep because you are only the son of Mary and big Peter, a poor country farmer.
Edward. Oh no, sir! if they are my father and mother, I will try to respect them, but to leave Mrs. Langdon—to be no longer her son—that is what is driving me to despair. Oh, I shall die! I shall die!