Whilst Mrs. Artless was talking, nurse went out of the room. Mrs.
Artless then took her seat by the cradle, and looking into it,
found the child awake, and I saw her take out a fine little girl,
about five months old: she then continued her discourse, saying,
'Look here, Nancy, look at this little baby, see how unable it is
to help itself; were we to neglect attending to it, what do yon
think would become of it? Suppose I were now to put your sister
upon the floor, and there leave her, tell me what do you think she
could do, or what would become of her?' Nancy sobbed out, that
she would die. 'And pray, my dear,' continued Mrs. Artless, 'if
we were to leave you to yourself, what would become of you? It is
true, you talk and run about better than Polly: but not a bit
better could you provide for, or take care of yourself. Could you
buy or dress your own victuals? could you light your own fire?
could you clean your own house, or open and shut the doors and
windows? could you make your own clothes, or even put them on
without some assistance, when made? And who do you think will do
anything for you, if you are not good, and do not speak civilly?
Not I, I promise you, neither shall nurse, nor any of the
servants; for though I pay them wages to help to do my business
for me, I never want them to do anything unless they are desired
in a pretty manner. Should you like, if when I want you to pick
up my scissors, or do any little job, I were to say, "Pick up my
scissors this moment, or I will slap your face?" Should not you
think that it sounded very cross and disagreeable?' 'Yes, madam,'
replied Nancy. 'Then why,' rejoined Mrs. Artless, 'should you
speak cross to anybody, particularly to servants and poor people?
for to behave so to them, is not only cross, but insolent and
proud: it is as if you thought that because they are rather