"But, mamma, now," said Charlotte, "pray don't you believe
That I'm better than Jenny my nurse?
Only see my red shoes, and the lace on my sleeve;
Her clothes are a thousand times worse.
"I ride in my coach, and have nothing to do.
And the country folks stare at me so;
And nobody dares to control me but you,
Because I'm a lady, you know.
"Then servants are vulgar and I am genteel;
So, really, 'tis out of the way,
To think that I should not be better a deal
Than maids, and such people as they."
"Gentility, Charlotte," her mother replied,
"Belongs to no station or place;
And nothing's so vulgar as folly and pride,
Though dressed in red slippers and lace.
"Not all the fine things that fine ladies possess
Should teach them the poor to despise;
For 'tis in good manners, and not in good dress,
That the truest gentility lies."
[Page 13--Naughty Girls]
[Illustration: Girl Who Wouldn't be Dressed.]
[Illustration: Naughty, Dirty Girl.]