_certainly_ tell me all the Fairy
Tales.

_Henrietta._ Every one of them; twice over if you choose. And now,
Marley.

_Miss Marley._ I know all this is very improper.

_Henrietta._ Just for once in your life try how it seems to be improper.

_Miss Marley._ Well then for this time only--Here are three quarters of
a dollar.

_Henrietta._ Now, Tommy!

_Miss Thomson._ I have not resolution to resist. There are half a dollar
and twelve cents.

_Henrietta._ And now, Isabella Caldwell,--though last not least.

_Isabella._ Excuse me, Henrietta: my contribution will be far less than
that of any other young lady. In fact, nothing at all.

_Henrietta._ Nothing at all! Why Miss Caldwell, I did not expect this of
you! I always supposed you to be very generous.

_Isabella._ I wish to be generous whenever it is in my power.

_Henrietta._ Well, dear Isabella, if you have no money, we will not
press you. We shall be happy to have you at our little feast, even if
you do not contribute a cent towards it.

_All._ O, yes! We must not lose Isabella Caldwell.

_Isabella._ I am much obliged to you, my dear girls. But it is not the
want of money that prevents me from joining you. I _have_ money. But I
wish not, on any terms, to belong to your party; and I shall retire to
my own room. In short, I do not think it right to be planning a feast
without the knowledge of Mrs. Middleton, who is so good and so indulgent
that it is a shame to deceive her.

_Henrietta._ Then I suppose. Miss Caldwell, you intend to betray us; to
disclose the whole plan to Mrs. Middleton?

_Isabella._ You insult me by such a suspicion. I appeal to all the young
ladies if they ever knew me guilty of telling tales, or repeating any
thing which might be a disadvantage to another.

_All._ O, no, no! Isabella is to be trusted. She will never betray us.

_Henrietta._ Then in plain terms, Miss Caldwell, I really think, if you
have money, you might spare a little for our feast.

_Isabella._ I want the whole of it for another purpose. And I shall get
no more before next week.

_Henrietta._ Well, this is very strange. I know you do not care for
finery, and that you never lay out your pocket-money in little articles
of dress. And as for books of amusement, it was but yesterday that your
father sent you a whole box full. I _must_ say, that though you are
called generous--I cannot help thinking you a little--a very little--

_Isabella._ Mean, I suppose you woul