Part 10 (2/2)

PHOEBE. Miss--Livvy, sir.

VALENTINE. I am Captain Brown, Miss Livvy, an old friend of both your aunts.

PHOEBE (_curtsying_). I have heard them speak of a das.h.i.+ng Mr. Brown.

But I think it cannot be the same.

VALENTINE (_a little chagrined_). Why not, ma'am?

PHOEBE. I ask your pardon, sir.

VALENTINE, I was sure you must be related. Indeed, for a moment the likeness--even the voice----

PHOEBE (_pouting_). La, sir, you mean I am like Aunt Phoebe. Every one says so--and indeed 'tis no compliment.

VALENTINE. 'Twould have been a compliment once. You must be a daughter of the excellent Mr. James Throssel who used to reside at Great Buckland.

PHOEBE. He is still there.

VALENTINE. A tedious twenty miles from here, as I remember.

PHOEBE. La! I have found the journey a monstrous quick one, sir.

(_The band is again heard. She runs to the window to peep between the curtains, and his eyes follow her admiringly._)

VALENTINE (_eagerly_). Miss Livvy, you go to the ball?

PHOEBE. Alas, sir, I have no card.

VALENTINE. I have two cards for your aunts. As Miss Phoebe has the headache, your Aunt Susan must take you to the ball.

PHOEBE. Oh, oh! (_Her feet move to the music._) Sir, I cannot control my feet.

VALENTINE. They are already at the ball, ma'am; you must follow them.

PHOEBE (_with all the pent-up mischief of ten years_). Oh, sir, do you think some pretty gentleman might be partial to me at the ball?

VALENTINE. If that is your wish----

PHOEBE. I should love, sir, to inspire frenzy in the breast of the male. (_With sudden collapse._) I dare not go--I dare not.

VALENTINE. Miss Livvy, I vow----

(_He turns eagerly to_ MISS SUSAN, _who enters._)

I have ventured, Miss Susan, to introduce myself to your charming niece.

(MISS SUSAN _would like to run away again, but the wicked_ MISS PHOEBE _is determined to have her help._)

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