Kitty. But this bonnet is not extravagant. Dora Fastone wears a bonnet which cost twenty-five-dollars, and her father has failed five or six times. I don't see why I can't have a new bonnet as well as that proud, stuck-up—
Mrs. C. Hush, my child! never speak ill of our neighbors because they dress better than we do. If they spend money foolishly, we should endeavor to use ours to better purpose. I am sure I should be glad to gratify you, but we have so many expenses. Your music lessons cost a great deal of money; and your brother Harry, off at school, is really suffering for a new suit of clothes. I must send him some money to-day.
Kitty. O, he can wait; he's only a boy; and no one cares how he looks; but young ladies must dress, or they are thought nothing of. O, you must let me have the bonnet, mamma!
Mrs. C. If you have this bonnet, Kitty, Harry must go without his new suit.
Kitty. If you could just see it! It's such a love of a bonnet! Do let me run down and ask Miss Thompson to send it up for you to look at.
Mrs. C. I've no objection to that; and if you think you need it more than Harry does his new suit, why—
Kitty. You'll let me have it. That's a good, dear mother. I know you wouldn't refuse. I'll run to Miss Thompson's. I won't be gone long. I suppose I am selfish; but then, mother, it's such a love of a bonnet. [Exit, L.
Mrs. C. (Sits in a rocking-chair.) Dear child, it is hard to refuse her! But one should be made of money to keep up with the extravagant fashions of the day.
Enter Aunt Hopkins, r.