Dame (ignoring picture of herself, speaking sarcastically to young artist). Oho, so he wants the girls to see how clever he is! He would like to amuse the girls! Go, then, and sit with the girls.
Second Boy. I don’t want to. I’d rather take a whipping.
Dame. Oh, be not so modest as to ask but one punishment. Thou shalt have it after your pleasant visit to the girls’ bench. Take thy place in the middle, little girl-boy.
The girls crowd together, to make as much room for the boy as possible as he takes his place in the middle of their bench.
Dame (to boy on stool). Now, dunce, come here. (Boy advances and stands before her.) Spell joy.
Boy. J-o-y, joy.
Dame. Take thy seat. Have thy lesson to-morrow or—(Holds up switch and shakes it.)
As the boy goes to his seat, he “makes a face” at the Dame, which she cannot see, but which is enjoyed by his classmates.
Dame. The first class in reading will now come forward. The rest will sit with folded arms as a punishment for the disorder in this school to-day. And let me see no one talking or swinging his feet, or it will go ill with him. I have a fine new bundle of switches itching to be used.
Curtain