A Little Princess; Sara, Act I Scene 2

Miss Minchin: Sara, your first lesson will be with Mr. DeFarge. Since your papa wanted me to engage a French maid for you, it is my understanding that he wishes you to study the language.

(Awkwardly.) I think he engaged her because he- he thought I would like her, Miss Minchin.

M. Defarge: Ah, madame, c'est triste. Mademoiselle, I am sure you will soon see that French is a charming language.

(Speaking fluently.) Mais oui, Monsieur. Je le sais. J'ai parle Francais depuis longtemps. Ma mere, elle etait francaise. J'aime beaucuop la langue francaise.

Miss Minchin: Your father never said anything about your mother being French. How was I supposed to know! He was so insistent on the maid being French.

He told me he wanted me to have someone to talk to.

Miss Minchin: I'm afraid you have been a very spoiled little girl and always imagine that things are done because you like them. My impression is that your papa wished you to learn French.

I never really learned French, but --

Students: Welcome, Sara

I'm very pleased to meet you.

Miss Minchin: You ought to have told me.

I- I tried. I suppose I did not begin right.

Miss Minchin: Monsieur, this is Sara Crewe. He father is very anxious for her to learn French, but I'm afraid she does not wish to.

Miss Minchin, that's not what I meant--