Laura. There is no slavery about it; it was my own pleasure; and you cannot think how fast it has made the time go. I set myself a task every day, and then, you see, trying to get just so much done by twelve o’clock, made me feel so interested!
Fanny. And the rest of the time you have been reading novels, I see.
Laura. No, indeed; I never read one in my life. Did you think this library-book was a novel?
Fanny. Let me see it; “Astoria;” is not that the name of some heroine? let me look at it a little. (Turning over the leaves.)
Laura. You can’t think how interesting it is. It gives an account of a place away on the western coast of North America; and of all that the people suffered to get there; and about the very wildest Indians, and the trappers, and the Rocky Mountains; and here is a map, you see, Susan.
Susan. Oh, well! it is a sort of geography-book, I suppose.
Laura. Such books will make your geography pleasanter than ever, I am sure; do read it.
Susan. Not I; I have hardly touched a book or a needle this vacation, and I have no idea of it. These long summer days are tedious enough without that.
Laura. But I do believe they would be pleasanter if you were only occupied about something or other.
Fanny. And so, Laura, you have really spent this whole vacation without a bit of amusement? I must say I think there is a little affectation in that.