It was not till she was near her seventh birthday that I was wicked and foolish enough to consent to her being shown in the performances.
"I was sorely tried and tempted before I did consent.

Jubber first said he wanted her to perform with the riders; and I said 'No' at once, though I was awful frightened of him in those days.

But soon after, Jemmy (who wasn't the clown then that he is now, sir; there was others to be got for his money, to do what he did at that time)--Jemmy comes to me, saying he's afraid he shall lose his place, if I don't give in about Mary.

This staggered me a good deal; for I don't know what we should have done then, if my husband had lost his engagement.

And, besides, there was the poor dear child herself, who was mad to be carried up in the air on horseback, always begging and praying to be made a little rider of.