John S. After tea will not Miss Emma play to us?
Emma. The piano is very much out of tune, some of the keys stick, the action is too light, and the instrument generally is not calculated for the successful execution of any thing.
John S. I beg your pardon: it was considered by everybody a very fine instrument when we bought it, sixteen years ago. We had a great bargain in it at the time, for we purchased it of a neighbor who had improved it very much by use. Mr. Shepard will confirm what I say, Miss.
(Emma bows her head thoughtfully, and looks at Shepard suspiciously.)
John S. My violin has very much improved during the last twenty years. On my honor, if Lizzie were a boy, she should learn to play on the violin, to keep it in the family. Ha, ha, ha!
Dominie. That would be curious!
(Dominie wishes to take leave with his daughter.)
Mrs. S. (condescendingly). I hope you will come to see us again soon. The next time Lizzie will play you Rosellen's "Tremolo;" and Miss Emma must play us a piece too.
Dominie. You are extremely kind! (Takes leave.)