_Rhoda._ But I've read his speeches, and they've got the ring of his voice in them yet. Ain't you proud of your mother, Flory? _Florence._ Not of her last effort, Rhoda. _Pollie._ That's where you're right, Floy. I wouldn't like to have my mother spouting in that manner. It looks coarse and unladylike. _Rhoda._ Well, I don't think I should like to have my mother take to that kind of business. _Florence._ I like it so little, girls, that I am determined to give mother a lesson, if you will grant me your assistance. Our principal, Miss Steady, had an attack of "woman's rights" at school last winter; and the girls took advantage of it to indulge in a little masquerading, which so affected our honored head, that we heard no more of woman's rights for the balance of the term. I shouldn't wonder if something of the kind would make mother a little less zealous in the cause. _Rhoda._ Oh, tell us all about it! _Pollie._ Is there any fun in it? _Florence._ You shall see. Come to my room. Mother may return at any moment, and I do not wish her to see us at present. _Pollie._ There's something delightfully mysterious in your proceedings, Floy. _Rhoda._ Yes: there's mischief in your eyes. _Florence._ Perhaps; time will show. Come, I want you too, Carrie. [_Exeunt_, R., FLORENCE, RHODA, _and_ POLLIE.] _Caroline._ Take me with her! I wish she could. I love Floy too well to envy her. But the privileges she enjoys, and to which I feel I am entitled, would afford me those opportunities for culture for which I have often sighed. (_Enter_ MRS. DUPLEX.) _Mrs. D._ Caroline, I am astonished! You sitting here with your arms folded, and the house in disorder! Is this a fitting return for my care? or have you forgotten that to me you owe all you have in the world? _Caroline._ You never allow me to forget that, madam. Yet I am grateful for your care. Add one favor more, and let me go into the world, and earn my living. _Mrs. D._ Indeed! As you are anxious to earn a living, perhaps it would be as well to commence at home. _Caroline._ This life is distasteful— _Mrs. D._ There, that's quite enough. I have very important business to engage my attention. Set the reception-room in order at once. (_Takes off bonnet and shawl, and sits in easy-chair near table._) _Caroline._ Certainly, madam. [_Exit_, R. _Mrs. D._ My late lamented husband left me one useless incumbrance,—that girl. Strange some people are so hard to manage! Now, then, to business. I've a long report to make to-night on the "Scheme for Improving the Condition of Motherless Girls." (_Enter_ MRS. HARTSHORN, R.) _Mrs. H._ Lor, sakes, Hannah Merria! You home? _Mrs. D._ Yes, mother, and hard at work. _Mrs. H._ (_sitting on lounge, and knitting_). Du tell!