Mrs. Denham.
Hold your tongue, miss. Don't attempt to make excuses. (Steps back, looks at Undine.) And just look at that pinafore, that was put on you clean this morning, and now it is all over dirt! You have been climbing trees again.
Undine.
(whimpering) I wasn't climbing trees. I only climbed one tree.
Denham.
(aside) Well parried!
Mrs. Denham.
Oh, these mean prevarications! If I take my eye off you for a moment, you disobey me. But you shall obey me—you shall obey! (Shakes the child; she screams.)
Denham.
Dear! Dear!