Thus it was at the same time an instrument of correction and of deportment.
Whatever bodily defects the early Georgian damsels possessed they certainly had straight backs and level shoulders.

The backboard was admirable training for the carriage of the stately sacque, the graceful flirting of the fan and for the dancing of the grave and dignified minuet.
The day was nearing its end.

The hour for retiring was early, and at dusk the head of each bedroom took her candle from the hall table and after a low curtsy to the mistress of the establishment preceded those who slept in the same room up the broad staircase.

The maidens' behaviour was highly decorous until they were safe in their respective bed-chambers, when their tongues were unloosed.
Oddly enough Lavinia, who was usually full of chatter, had to-night little to say.

Her schoolmates rallied her on her silent tongue.
"Oh, don't bother me, Priscilla," she exclaimed pettishly.