Thomas: But, how about your sum and my geography lesson? The teacher'll do something dreadful to us.
John (calling back over his shoulder): Bother on them, we'll have time to study after school calls: if we don't, who cares? Let Abraham Lincoln do the studying while we are having fun. Come on, come on. (Exit at right.)
Helen: Don't go, Tom; stay and have a perfect lesson for once.
Thomas: O, I've heard preaching enough for one morning. (Exit at right, running.)
Helen: That's the way it always ends. If I try to have them mend their ways, they just make fun of me for "preaching." (Goes to a desk and takes up book, opens it and sits at desk.) I'm only a girl, of course, but I am going to imitate poor Abe by trying to get a little knowledge into my head. But what foolish boys they are, and some day when Abraham Lincoln is a great man and everyone is talking about the wonderful things he is doing, John and Tom will be standing around whittling sticks and growling because they couldn't be as "lucky as Abraham Lincoln." Well, if I am anywhere around, I'll tell them of the things they said this morning. I know I shall never forget them. (Becomes intent on book.)
Curtain
Clara J. Denton
A DIALOGUE FOR FIVE BOYS