human
Now school has begun. You must all come in, and bow 'way down to the ground, and say, 'O, respected teacher, grant us knowledge.' They are very polite in India.--All but Prudy, she may stay behind and play truant.
gpt
O, respectful Susy Parlin, don't you whip me!
human
I forgot one thing, said the teacher, as her obedient pupils stood upright again, with flushed faces.
gpt
You ought to have brought me a present, every one of you, such as a fig of tobacco rolled up in a banana leaf, or--
human
We didn't know you chewed,
gpt
Now you take your seats. No, not there! On the floor! What do you suppose? You're in India, children. There are mats on the floor (we'll pretend).
human
O, we ought to say a prayer to the Muse; but I can't remember what it is. No matter. Multiplication Table comes next. Mother says it's just the same thing in India that it is in America.
gpt
Angeline, please look up some more palm-leaf fans, and some splinters of wood.
human
A pretty kind of school! growled Johnny.
gpt
Don't they do anything out there in Hindoo but just fan themselves?
human
O, we pretend these fans are green, just off the trees. We are studying arithmetic, all so fast, and ciphering on these leaves with reeds--(that's our splinters). Indian boys don't know what slates are. They think these leaves are good enough. They come off of the tallest palm trees. Fans don't grow in this country. Where did you ever see a leaf as broad as this?
gpt
Poh, plenty of 'em in Kennebec County!
human
Now, said the teacher, after a few moments of mock arithmetic,
gpt
Why, what an idea! said Prudy, with her mouth full;
human
I didn't know that was the way to play it.
gpt
Yes, said Susy,
human
Why, I've _been a-resting_ all the time,
gpt
Well, that doesn't make any difference, Miss Honey Drop,