cap is the noblest Miss Phoebe of
them all. (_If only he would go away, and let_ MISS PHOEBE _cry._)
When I enlisted, I remember I compared her to a garden. I have often
thought of that.

PHOEBE. 'Tis an old garden now.

VALENTINE. The paths, ma'am, are better shaded.

PHOEBE. The flowers have grown old-fashioned.

VALENTINE. They smell the sweeter. Miss Livvy, do you think there is
any hope for me?

PHOEBE. There was a man whom Miss Phoebe loved--long ago. He did not
love her.

VALENTINE. Now here was a fool!

PHOEBE. He kissed her once.

VALENTINE. If Miss Phoebe suffered him to do that she thought he loved
her.

PHOEBE. Yes, yes. (_She has to ask him the ten years old question._)
Do you opinion that this makes her action in allowing it less
reprehensible? It has been such a pain to her ever since.

VALENTINE. How like Miss Phoebe! (_Sternly._) But that man was a
knave.

PHOEBE. No, he was a good man--only a little--inconsiderate. She
knows now that he has even forgotten that he did it. I suppose men are
like that?

VALENTINE. No, Miss Livvy, men are not like that. I am a very average
man, but I thank God I am not like that.

PHOEBE. It was you.

VALENTINE (_after a pause_). Did Miss Phoebe say that?

PHOEBE. Yes.

VALENTINE. Then it is true.

(_He is very grave and quiet._)

PHOEBE. It was raining and her face was wet. You said you did it
because her face was wet.

VALENTINE. I had quite forgotten.

PHOEBE. But she remembers, and how often do you think the shameful
memory has made her face wet since? The face you love, Captain Brown,
you were the first to give it pain. The tired eyes--how much less
tired they might be if they had never known you. You who are torturing
me with every word, what have you done to Miss Phoebe? You who think
you can bring back the bloom to that faded garden, and all the pretty
airs and graces that fluttered round it once like little birds before
the nest is torn down--bring them back to her if you can, sir; it was
you who took them away.

VALENTINE. I vow I shall do my best to bring them back. (MISS PHOEBE
_shakes her head._) Miss Livvy, with your help----

PHOEBE. My help! I have not helped. I tried to spoil it all.

VALENTINE (_smiling_). To spoil it? You mean that you sought to flirt
even with me. Ah, I knew you did. But that is nothing.

PHOEBE. Oh, sir, if you could overlook it.

VALENTINE. I do.

PHOE