Part 21 (2/2)
MISS f.a.n.n.y (_sternly just_). They informed Mary that she was nigh asleep.
VALENTINE. It is not a serious illness I think, ma'am. With the permission of Miss Phoebe and Miss Susan I will make myself more acquaint with her disorder presently. (_He is desirous to be alone._) But we must not talk lest we disturb her.
MISS f.a.n.n.y. You suggest our retiring, sir?
VALENTINE. Nay, Miss f.a.n.n.y----
MISS f.a.n.n.y. You are very obliging; but I think, Henrietta----
MISS HENRIETTA (_rising_). Yes, f.a.n.n.y.
(_No doubt they are the more ready to depart that they wish to inform_ MISS WILLOUGHBY _at once of these strange doings. As they go_, MISS SUSAN _and_ MISS PHOEBE _return, and the adieux are less elaborate than usual. Neither visitors nor hostesses quite know what to say_. MISS SUSAN _is merely relieved to see them leave, but_ MISS PHOEBE _has read something in their manner that makes her uneasy._)
PHOEBE. Why have they departed so hurriedly, sir? They--they did not go in to see Livvy?
VALENTINE. No.
(_She reads danger in his face._)
PHOEBE. Why do you look at me so strangely?
VALENTINE (_somewhat stern_). Miss Phoebe, I desire to see Miss Livvy.
PHOEBE. Impossible.
VALENTINE. Why impossible? They tell me strange stories about no one's seeing her. Miss Phoebe, I will not leave this house until I have seen her.
PHOEBE. You cannot. (_But he is very determined, and she is afraid of him._) Will you excuse me, sir, while I talk with Susan behind the door?
(_The sisters go guiltily into the bedroom, and_ CAPTAIN BROWN _after some hesitation rings for_ PATTY.)
VALENTINE. Patty, come here. Why is this trick being played upon me?
PATTY (_with all her wits about her_). Trick, sir! Who would dare?
VALENTINE. I know, Patty, that Miss Phoebe has been Miss Livvy all the time.
PATTY. I give in!
VALENTINE. Why has she done this?
PATTY (_beseechingly_). Are you laughing, sir?
VALENTINE. I am very far from laughing.
PATTY (_turning on him_). 'Twas you that began it, all by not knowing her in the white gown.
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