ALICIA, (_laughing_) Ah! that is just like her, with her arms swinging and her mouth open. HELEN. But did she not speak to you. CONSTANTIA. No, nor to Mamma, neither; and then she almost cried because she wanted to help her brother to make a cart! HELEN. To make a cart! Was that a proper employment for a young lady? CONSTANTIA. No, indeed! and when she was told to speak to me, she came with her head poking down, and her finger in her mouth, muttering so, “How d’ ye do, Miss?” HELEN. Oh dear, how strange! ALICIA. Ah, that is exactly her; but now, Constantia, tell us how she looked when her mamma asked her, if she would not like to help her brother beat Jack Williams. CONSTANTIA. Oh, she pouted out her lips so; then she crammed her fingers into her mouth; and then leered round to see if I was looking at her! But, Alicia you remained in the parlour, how did Mr. Ned get his mouse again? ALICIA. Oh, you never saw such a cowardly fellow; when he overtook the boy and found the mouse’s leg was broke, he beat and scratched the boy without mercy and the boy durst not return the blows because Mr. Sydney was by. At last Mr. Sydney said, “Come away, Ned, let him alone now; but if he affronts you again, I will horsewhip him handsomely.” “Do it now, Papa,” said Ned, “Do it now!” and Mr. Sydney never told him he was wrong. MRS. LEYSTER. In telling us that, Alicia, have you not told us the very reason of Master Sydney’s behavior? ALICIA. What, that his father did not teach him better? Yes, I believe so! MRS. LEYSTER. Tell me, then is he most an object of ridicule or pity? ALICIA, (_after hesitating a moment_.) Of pity, to be sure! MRS. LEYSTER. And Constantia, do you not think the same cause may have produced the same effect in Miss Sydney? CONSTANTIA. Yes, Mamma, for she said nobody had ever told her it was wrong to torment her bird. MRS. LEYSTER. Then why have you ridiculed her? CONSTANTIA. I—I—did not mean any harm, Mama! MRS. LEYSTER. Did you not mean to make her appear an absurd, ridiculous character? Did you not mean to make your cousin and sister laugh at her? CONSTANTIA. Yes, Mama. MRS. LEYSTER.