Johnny—Yes’m. (says first line very loud and fast.)
Miss P.—No, no, Johnny. Say it slower. (Johnny says two lines, very slowly.)
Miss P.—A little faster, Johnny, and loud, too. (Johnny tries again, and does well, but speaks very loud.)
Aunt Hepsey—Wal, even deef old Joe kin hear that, I reckin.
Miss P.—Recitation by Sally Whittaker. (Sally comes out, and puts finger in mouth a minute, then bows, puts in finger again, takes it out, bows again. Does so two or three times.)
Miss P.—Speak your piece, Sally, like a nice girl.
Sally—I’th forgot it.
Miss P.—The oak—
Sally—Oh yes, the oak.
The oak an’ the apple, the pine and the peath,