Thou liest, child, said she.
So your ladyship told me twice before.
She gave me a slap on the hand for this; and I made a low courtesy, and
said, I humbly thank your ladyship! but I could not refrain tears: And
added, Your dear brother, madam, however, won't thank your ladyship for
this usage of me, though I do. Come a little nearer me, my dear, said
she, and thou shalt have a little more than that to tell him of, if thou
think'st thou hast not made mischief enough already between a sister and
brother. But, child, if he was here, I would serve thee worse, and him
too. I wish he was, said I.--Dost thou threaten me, mischief-maker, and
insolent as thou art?
Now, pray, madam, said I, (but got to a little distance,) be pleased to
reflect upon all that you have said to me, since I have had the honour,
or rather misfortune, to come into your presence; whether you have said
one thing befitting your ladyship's degree to me, even supposing I was
the wench and the creature you imagine me to be?--Come hither, my pert
dear, replied she, come but within my reach for one moment, and I'll
answer thee as thou deservest.
To be sure she meant to box my ears. But I should not be worthy my happy
lot if I could not shew some spirit.
When the cloth was taken away, I said, I suppose I may now depart your
presence, madam? I suppose not, said she.
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