th
reciprocal reproaches.

Madam D'Allone beheld this scene with the greatest uneasiness, and could
not help shedding tears on the occasion. She did not then think it
prudent to say any thing to them, but retired to her chamber, in order
there to think of the properest means of restoring peace and harmony
among her unhappy pupils.

While she was turning these afflicting thoughts in her mind, all the
four young ladies entered her apartment with a peevish and uneasy look,
each complaining of the ill-temper of the rest. There was not one but
what charged the other three with being the cause of it, and all
together begged their governess would, if possible, restore to them that
happiness they once possessed.

Their governess put on a very serious countenance, and said, "I have
observed, my pupils, that you endeavour to thwart each other, and
thereby destroy your pleasures. In order, therefore, that no such thing
may happen again, let each take up her corner in this room, if she
choose it, and divert herself in what manner she pleases, provided she
does not interfere with either of her sisters. You may immediately have
recourse to this mode of recreation, as you have leave to play till
night; but remember that neither of you stir from the corner in which I
shall place you."

The little maidens, who were no way displeased with this proposal,
hastened to their different quarters, and began to amuse themselves each
in her own way. Sophia commenced a conversation with her doll, or rather
told her many pretty little stories; but her doll had not the gift of
speech, and consequently was no companion. She could not expect any
entertainment from her sisters, as they were playing, each asunder, in
their respective corners.

Lucy took her battledore and shuttlecock, but there was none to admire
her dexterity; besides, she was not allowed to strike it across the
room, as that would have been an invasion on one of her sister's
territories. She could not expect that either of them would quit their
amusements to oblige her.

Harriot was very fond of her old game of hunt the slipper; but what was
she to do with the slipper by herself; she could only shove it from hand
to hand. It was in vain to hope for such service from her sisters, as
each was amusing herself in her assigned corner.

Emilia, who was a very skilful pretty housewife, was thinking how she
might give her friends an entertainment, and of course sent out for many
thi