DORA. Oh, but you must. You promised, you know.
L. Yes, if all was well; but all's ill. I'm tired and cross; and I
won't.
DORA. You're not a bit tired, and you're not crosser than two
sticks; and we'll make you talk, if you were crosser than six.
Come here, Egypt; and get on the other side of him.
(EGYPT takes up a commanding position near the hearth-brush.)
DORA (reviewing her forces). Now, Lily, come and sit on the rug in
front.
(LILY does as she is bid.)
L. (seeing he has no chance against the odds). Well, well; but I'm
really tired. Go and dance a little, first; and let me think.
DORA. No; you mustn't think. You will be wanting to make us think
next; that will be tiresome.
L. Well, go and dance first, to get quit of thinking: and then
I'll talk as long as you like.
DORA. Oh, but we can't dance to-night. There isn't time; and we
want to hear about virtue.
L. Let me see a little of it first. Dancing is the first of girls'
virtues.
EGYPT. Indeed! And the second?