human
Get up, and do as you are told! How dare you act so? said the judge, forgetting his
gpt
Now, pray, my dear sir, don't frighten the poor little thing, cried the dulcet tones of the lady.
human
Little girls are always nervous and frightened when first sent to school. Come here, my love; don't be afraid of me!
gpt
Go!
human
What is your name, my dear?
gpt
Pet-Pet-ronilla,
human
Now, you must not cry, dear; we will take the best of care of you here. Of course, you will miss your papa for a few days; but after that we will get along very nicely. Were you ever at school before?
gpt
Ye-es, ma-am.
human
What did you learn, love?
gpt
I don't know.
human
Petronilla?
gpt
Now, pray, my dear sir, remonstrated the silken tones of the lady,
human
Yes, ma-am.
gpt
What books have you read, love? have you read many?
human
Yes, ma'am.
gpt
What was their names?
human
Oh! my dear, I don't mean those! Have you read nothing else?
gpt
No, ma'am; only a spelling-book.
human
Can you write?
gpt
Yes, ma'am, when somebody holds my hand.
human
Have you studied grammar and geography? I suppose not, though.
gpt
She has, madam; at least she commenced,
human
Ah, indeed! What is English Grammar, love?
gpt
A little book with a gray cover,
human
No, no! What does English Grammar teach?
gpt
I don't know--it never teached me anything; it was Mr. Hammer.
human
Oh, dear me! You are rather obtuse, I fear. Perhaps you know more of geography, though. Can you tell me how the earth is divided?
gpt
It ain't divided! said Pet, stoutly.
human
It's all one piece!
gpt
Ah! I fear your teacher was none of the best, said the lady, shaking her head.
human
We shall have to remedy all these defects in your education, however, as well as we can. I hope to send you a very different little girl home, judge.
gpt
I sincerely hope so, said the judge, rising.
human
Farewell, madam. Good-by, Petronilla; be a good girl--remember.
gpt
Oh, I'll remember!