Part 2 (1/2)

SERGEANT. The luck, ma'am, is that a gentleman of the town has enlisted. That gave them the push forward.

(MISS SUSAN _is excited._)

PHOEBE. A gentleman of this town enlisted? (_Eagerly_) Sergeant, who?

SERGEANT. Nay, ma'am, I think it be a secret as yet.

PHOEBE. But a gentleman! 'Tis the most amazing, exciting thing.

Sergeant, be so obliging.

SERGEANT. Nay, ma'am, I can't.

MISS SUSAN (_at door, carried away by excitement_). But you must, you must!

SERGEANT (_turning to the door_). You see, ma'am--

(_The door is hurriedly closed._)

PHOEBE (_ashamed_). Sergeant, I have not been saying the things I meant to say to you. Will you please excuse my turning you out of the house somewhat violently.

SERGEANT. I am used to it, ma'am.

PHOEBE. I won't really hurt you.

SERGEANT. Thank you kindly, ma'am.

PHOEBE (_observing the bedroom door opening a little, and speaking in a loud voice_). I protest, sir; we shall permit no followers in this house. Should I discover you in my kitchen again I shall pitch you out--neck and crop. Begone, sir.

(_The_ SERGEANT _retires affably. All the ladies except_ MISS HENRIETTA _come out, admiring_ PHOEBE. _The_ WILLOUGHBYS _are attired for their journey across the street._)

MISS WILLOUGHBY. Miss Phoebe, we could not but admire you.

(PHOEBE, _alas, knows that she is not admirable._)

PHOEBE. But the gentleman recruit?

MISS SUSAN. Perhaps they will know who he is at the woollen-drapers.

MISS f.a.n.n.y. Let us inquire.

(_But before they go_ MISS WILLOUGHBY _has a duty to perform._)

MISS WILLOUGHBY. I wish to apologise. Miss Phoebe, you are a dear, good girl. If I have made remarks about her ringlets, Susan, it was jealousy. (PHOEBE _and_ MISS SUSAN _wish to embrace her, but she is not in the mood for it._) Come, sister.

MISS f.a.n.n.y (_the dear woman that she is_). Phoebe, dear, I wish you very happy.

(_PHOEBE presses her hand._)

MISS HENRIETTA (_entering, and not to be outdone_). Miss Phoebe, I give you joy.