Henrietta. Then in plain terms, Miss Caldwell, I really think, if you have money, you might spare a little for our feast.
Isabella. I want the whole of it for another purpose. And I shall get no more before next week.
Henrietta. Well, this is very strange. I know you do not care for finery, and that you never lay out your pocket-money in little articles of dress. And as for books of amusement, it was but yesterday that your father sent you a whole box full. I must say, that though you are called generous—I cannot help thinking you a little—a very little—
Isabella. Mean, I suppose you would say.
Henrietta. Why, I must not exactly call you mean—But I cannot help thinking you rather—meanish.
Isabella. I will not be called mean. My refusal proceeds from other motives than you suppose.
Henrietta. Young ladies, I will be judged by you all. Is it natural for a girl of fifteen, who likes cakes, and pastry, and every sort of sweet thing, to be so very conscientious as to refuse to join in a little bit of pleasure that can injure no one, that will never be discovered, and that all her companions have assented to with few or no scruples. No, no, Isabella, I believe that your only object in declining to be one of our party, is to save your money.
Isabella. O, what injustice you do me!
Henrietta. Prove it to be injustice by joining us without further objection.
Miss Watkins. Henrietta, we do not care for Isabella's money. Let her keep it if she wishes. We can afford to entertain her as our guest. I am sorry so much should have been said about it.