"Rosalind," said she, "as my room is over the porch, and the windows are open, I could not avoid hearing all you have just been saying, particularly as you spoke very loudly. As I do not wish to see either of my pupils unhappy, I will gratify your desire, and both you and Adelaide (if it is also her wish) may pass a week entirely without occupation; in short, a week of idleness."
Adelaide. O no, dear Mrs. Mortlake: I have no desire to avail myself of your offer. I would much rather continue my usual employments.
Rosalind. A week of entire leisure! O, how delightful!
Mrs. Mortlake. But, during that time, neither you nor Josephine must come into the school-room.
Rosalind. O, indeed! we shall not desire it.
Mrs. Mortlake. Neither must you read.
Rosalind. Well!—I am sure I have read enough to last my lifetime. Where is the use of reading story-books that are all invention, describing people that never lived; or of poring over voyages and travels to countries I shall never visit; or of studying the histories of dead kings.
Mrs. Mortlake. You must not sew.
Rosalind. I never did find it very entertaining to stick a needle and thread into a piece of muslin, and pull it through again.
Mrs. Mortlake. You must not draw.