lass of
cowslip wine,' says she, like a gentle lamb. And ill she can afford
it, you having lost their money for them.

VALENTINE. What is that? On the contrary, all the money they have,
Patty, they owe to my having invested it for them.

PATTY. That is the money they lost.

VALENTINE. You are sure of that?

PATTY. I can swear to it.

VALENTINE. Deceived me about that also. Good God; but why?

PATTY. I think she was feared you would offer to her out of pity. She
said something to Miss Susan about keeping a flag flying. What she
meant I know not. (_But he knows, and he turns away his face._) Are
you laughing, sir?

VALENTINE. No, Patty, I am not laughing. Why do they not say Miss
Livvy has gone home? It would save them a world of trouble.

PATTY. The Misses Willoughby and Miss Henrietta--they watch the house
all day. They would say she cannot be gone, for we did not see her go.

VALENTINE (_enlightened at last_). I see!

PATTY. And Miss Phoebe and Miss Susan wring their hands, for they are
feared Miss Livvy is bedridden here for all time. (_Now his sense of
humour asserts itself_). Thank the Lord, you 're laughing!

(_At this he laughs the more, and it is a gay_ CAPTAIN BROWN _on whom_
MISS SUSAN _opens the bedroom door. This desperate woman is too full
of plot to note the change in him._)

MISS SUSAN. I am happy to inform you, sir, that Livvy finds herself
much improved.

VALENTINE (_bolting_). It is joy to me to hear it.

MISS SUSAN. She is coming in to see you.

PATTY (_aghast_). Oh, ma'am!

VALENTINE (_frowning on_ PATTY). I shall be happy to see the poor
invalid.

PATTY. Ma'am----!

(_But_ MISS SUSAN, _believing that so far all is well, has returned to
the bedchamber_. CAPTAIN BROWN _bestows a quizzical glance upon the
maid._)

VALENTINE. Go away, Patty. Anon I may claim a service of you, but for
the present, go.

PATTY. But--but----

VALENTINE. Retire, woman.

(_She has to go, and he prepares his face for the reception of the
invalid_. PHOEBE _comes in without her cap, the ringlets showing
again. She wears a dressing jacket and is supported by_ MISS SUSAN.)

VALENTINE (_gravely_). Your servant, Miss Livvy.

PHOEBE (_weakly_). How do you do?

VALENTINE. Allow me, Miss Susan.

(_He takes_ MISS SUSAN'S _place; but after an exquisite moment_ MISS
PHOEBE _breaks away from him, feeling that she is not worthy of such
bliss._)

PHOEBE. No, no, I--