has never been a lover, why shouldn't I see him and
mention my engagement in a calm, cool, ladylike way? [Tearing up the
letter passionately.] I must see him once more--in a calm, cool,
ladylike way. I'll write just a line asking him to come to me this
morning.

[As she sits to write LADY EUPHEMIA and BROOKE stroll in again and meet
each other.]

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

[To BROOKE.] Good-morning.

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

[To LADY EUPHEMIA.] Good-morning.

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

Why, it's Imogen! Oh, let me congratulate you. [Kissing her.] The news
is too delightful.

IMOGEN.

Thank you.

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

Accept my congratulations also. Splendid fellow, Macphail; not one of
those men who talk the top of your head off.

IMOGEN.

[Writing.] No, not quite. Brooke, dear, will you give Mr. White a little
note from me?

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

Certainly. By the bye, while I think of it, you'll be glad to hear that
Effie has honored me by consenting to--er--marry me--what!

IMOGEN.

Effie!

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

How your mind does run on that subject, Brooke!

IMOGEN.

[Throwing her arms round LADY EUPHEMIA'S neck.] What happy people, both
of you!

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

My hair!

IMOGEN.

[Kissing BROOKE.] A thousand congratulations, my dear, clever, old
brother!

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

The bother with mamma will be too wearying.

IMOGEN.

Why a bother?

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

About my pecuniary position, don't you know. You'll hardly credit it,
but I haven't the least idea what pa intends to do for me.

IMOGEN.

But it doesn't matter about that, so that you are deeply attached to
each other.

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

Oh, Imogen, that's _too_ ridiculous!

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

Quite absurd--what!

IMOGEN.

Besides, if you want money you can work.

BROOKE TWOMBLEY.

Oh, it's no good everybody working. It's this stupid all-round desire to
work that throws so many men out of employment. I'll look for Valentine.
[IMOGEN gives him her note.] He's sure to be about. We're going to shoot
over Claigrossie Moor this morning. [He goes out.]

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

So you've made up your mind at last?

IMOGEN.

No; other people have made it up for me.

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

Mamma?

IMOGEN.

Yes, Aunt Dora is the principal person who has rendered my life a burden
to me.

LADY EUPHEMIA VIBART.

Oh, Imogen!

IMOGEN.

It's true. Every hour of the livelong day Aunt Dora has goade