BART. Dear Josephine! What a contrast to her cold, insensible, apathetic sister! I, who loved her so sincerely, so devotedly, made such a thorough spooney of myself! and was even weak enough to believe I was not quite indifferent to her! I confess I felt hurt--considerably hurt--infernally hurt; but if she flattered herself I should be inconsolable, she never was more mistaken in her life! She little dreamt how soon I should find a cure for my infatuation in the charms of her angelic sister! Dear Josephine! And to think there's no hope of my calling her mine till we find somebody to call her sister _his!_ By-the-bye, here are a few papers I must look over (_seating himself at table and opening papers_). ROYS. (_heard without_). Very well; take my card to Mrs. Templeton. I'll wait. I'm in no hurry. BART. Heyday! who have we here? _Enter BASIL ROYSTON at C._ ROYS. (_coming down--seeing BARTON_). I beg pardon, sir! BART. (_rising_). Sir--I-- ROYS. Be seated, I beg. BART. Not till you set me the example (_pointing to chair--they seat themselves_). ROYS. Like me, sir, you are doubtless waiting to see Mrs. Templeton? BART. No, sir. ROYS. Oh! One of the family, perhaps? Possibly a friend? BART. Yes, sir, a friend. (_Aside._) He's very inquisitive! ROYS. (_looking at album_). What charming water-colors--perfect gems! BART. They are the work of Mrs. Templeton's elder niece. Are _you_ an artist? ROYS. No, merely an amateur. And you? BART. A humble member of the legal profession. ROYS. A lawyer--eh? (_Aside._) By Jove! here's a chance for me! I've half a mind to--he looks the very picture of good-nature, and six and eightpence won't ruin me! (_Aloud._) Might I venture, sir, on so very slight an acquaintance, to solicit your professional opinion? (_BARTON bows._) It is rather a delicate subject, a very _peculiar_ subject. BART. I'm all attention, sir, merely observing that the sooner you begin-- ROYS. The sooner I shall have done. Exactly. Then I'll come to the point at once. I would ask you whether, in your opinion, a promise of marriage, written under _certain circumstances_ and under certain _conditions,_ must necessarily be binding? BART. Such conditions being-- ROYS. First and foremost--that the lady should have her head altered! BART. (_astonished_). Have her head altered? ROYS. I mean, have her hair dyed! BART. Which condition the lady has not complied with? ROYS. No, sir! It's as red as ever! BART. Then, sir, I've no hesitation in saying that the promise falls to the ground. ROYS. Thank you, sir (_seizing BARTON'S hand and shaking it--aside and sighing_). Poor Sophia! BART. May I inquire the name of my _new_ client? (_smiling_). ROYS. Royston. BART. The Roystons of Banbury? ROYS. Yes, Banbury--where the cakes come from. BART. I was aware that Mrs. Templeton expected you on a matter of business--a certain sum of money, I believe? ROYS. Yes, coming to the family from some Hampshire property.