understand what I read; otherwise, she said, it was
to no manner of purpose to read ever so many books, which would only
stuff my brain, without being any improvement to my mind.'

The misses all agreed, that certainly it was of no use to read, without
understanding what they read; and began to talk of the story of the
giants, to prove they could make just remarks on it.

Miss Sukey Jennett said, 'I am most pleased with that part of the story
where the good Benefico cuts off the monster's head, and puts an end
to his cruelty, especially as he was so sullen he would not confess his
wickedness; because, you know, Miss Jenny, if he had had sense enough to
have owned his error, and have followed the example of the good giant,
he might have been happy.'

Miss Lucy Sly delivered the following opinion: 'My greatest joy was
whilst Mignon was tying the magic fillet round the monster's neck, and
conquering him.'

'Now I (said Miss Dolly Friendly) am most pleased with that part of the
story, were Fidus and Amata meet the reward of their constancy and love,
when they find each other after all their sufferings.'

Miss Polly Suckling said, with some eagerness, 'My greatest joy was in
the description of Mignon; and to think that it should be in the power
of that little creature to conquer such a great monster.'

Miss Patty Lockit, Miss Nanny Spruce, Miss Betty Ford, and Miss Henny
Fret, advanced no new opinions; but agreed some to one, and some to
another, of those that were already advanced. And as every one was eager
to maintain her own opinion, an argument followed, the particulars of
which I could never learn: only thus much I know, that it was concluded
by Miss Lucy Sly, saying, with an air and tone of voice that implied
more anger than had been heard since the reconciliation, that she was
sure Miss Polly Suckling only liked that part about Mignon, because she
was the least in the school; and Mignon being such a little creature,
put her in mind of herself.

Miss Jenny Peace now began to be frighted, lest this contention should
raise another quarrel; and therefore begged to be heard before they went
any farther. They were not yet angry enough to refuse hearing what she
had to say: and then Miss Jenny desired them to consider the moral of
the story, and what use they might make of it, instead of contending
which was the prettiest part: 'For otherwise,' continued she, 'I have
lost my breath in reading to you; and you will be