Dunn. Oh! a Governess; a Governess, is one who governs, according to the orders of those who govern her; you must try to keep up an appearance of meekness and servility.
Nio. For what?
Dunn. Because you won’t be allowed to govern unless you do.
Nio. (with dignity) I am a Queen.
Dunn. Yes, but you got lost in the shuffle!
Nio. And my duties?
Dunn. To trot out the children, and pretend to teach, but above all cringe to Helen—say “yes Ma’am”—always—“Yes Ma’am.”
Nio. (proudly) “Yes Ma’am,” only that, “yes Ma’am?”
Dunn. (rising) Yes—but not in that way, mind the tone, humbly; “Yes Ma’am.” (in a nasal tone and with a bob curtsey)
Nio. (after wonderingly regarding Dunn, imitates Dunn’s manner) “Yes Ma’am!”