Judge._ Did you not endeavour to convince her of the folly of her
obstinacy?

_Betsy Friendly._ I said all I could think of to persuade her to conquer
her spirit. She would not, at last, give me a word of answer to anything
I said. I then turned from her and left her.

_Judge._ What have you observed with respect to her general behaviour?

_Betsy Friendly._ She is too often obstinate and quarrelsome, but at
other times free, easy, and good-natured.

_Secretary._ Susan Lenox, please to give evidence.

_Judge._ What do you know in respect to this fray?

_Susan Lenox._ I have too much reason to remember it, for my cambric
apron, which had cost me three months' working, was torn to rags.

_Judge._ What is your opinion of the general behaviour of Sally Delia?

_Susan Lenox._ She is sometimes well enough--at least, so long as you
will listen to her tales about her illustrious family.

_Secretary._ Anne Graceful, please to give evidence.

_Judge._ Please to inform the court, Anne Graceful, of what you know
concerning this affair.

_Anne Graceful._ I have reason to complain of my loss; my muslin frock
was entirely destroyed.

_Judge._ Please to inform the court who gave the first blow?

_Anne Graceful._ Though I did not see Delia give the first blow, I have
no reason to doubt she was the person from whom I received it. When we
were disputing who ought to have had the favourite sweetmeat, Sally
Delia urged her high birth and fortune, and concluded that if reason
could not strength should have obtained it. Hearing this, I turned my
back on her as a mark of contempt, when I instantly received a violent
slap on the head.

_Judge._ How did you act on that occasion.

_Anne Graceful._ I instantly turned about, and in my anger, mistaking
Susan Lenox for Sally Delia, I treated her very rudely.

_Judge._ This ought to teach us that passion is not only ill-becoming a
young lady, but that it may lead into such mistakes as may be attended
with serious consequences. But when you found your mistake, how did you
behave towards Susan Lenox?

_Anne Graceful._ As soon as peace was restored, I begged pardon, and
offered to repair all injuries. The former was granted, but the latter
she would not accept.

_Judge._ I have only one more question to ask, which you will please to
answer me on your word. Was there not some old grudge subsisting between
you and Sally Delia?

_Anne Graceful._ I must own that I never liked her; there