Henrietta. And now, Isabella Caldwell,—though last not least.
Isabella. Excuse me, Henrietta: my contribution will be far less than that of any other young lady. In fact, nothing at all.
Henrietta. Nothing at all! Why Miss Caldwell, I did not expect this of you! I always supposed you to be very generous.
Isabella. I wish to be generous whenever it is in my power.
Henrietta. Well, dear Isabella, if you have no money, we will not press you. We shall be happy to have you at our little feast, even if you do not contribute a cent towards it.
All. O, yes! We must not lose Isabella Caldwell.
Isabella. I am much obliged to you, my dear girls. But it is not the want of money that prevents me from joining you. I have money. But I wish not, on any terms, to belong to your party; and I shall retire to my own room. In short, I do not think it right to be planning a feast without the knowledge of Mrs. Middleton, who is so good and so indulgent that it is a shame to deceive her.
Henrietta. Then I suppose. Miss Caldwell, you intend to betray us; to disclose the whole plan to Mrs. Middleton?
Isabella. You insult me by such a suspicion. I appeal to all the young ladies if they ever knew me guilty of telling tales, or repeating any thing which might be a disadvantage to another.
All. O, no, no! Isabella is to be trusted. She will never betray us.