class home to the collation.

MOTHER.­ The whole class! I But I only expected a few.

AMANDA.­ The rest are coming. I brought Julie, and Clara, and
Sophie with me. [A voice is heard. ] Here are the rest.

MOTHER.­ Why, no. It is Mrs. Peterkin and Elizabeth Eliza!

AMANDA.­ Too late for the exhibition. Such a shame! But in time
for the collation.

MOTHER [to herself ].­ If the ice-cream will go round.

AMANDA.­ But what made you so late? Did you miss the train?
This is Elizabeth Eliza, girls­you have heard me speak of her.
What a pity you were too late!

MRS. PETERKIN.­ We tried to come; we did our best.

MOTHER.­ Did you miss the train? Didn't you get my postal-card?

MRS. PETERKIN.­ We had nothing to do with the train.

AMANDA.­ You don't mean you walked?

MRS. PETERKIN.­ O no, indeed!

ELIZABETH ELIZA.­ We came in a horse and carryall.