JOSEPHINE. That's what I want to know! It _is_ a portrait, isn't it? BART. (_confused_). Yes!--no! a mere fancy sketch, nothing more! (_taking miniature from box, and hastily concealing it in his breast-pocket_). Be persuaded by me! replace the box where you found it! (_giving box to her_). JOSEPHINE. Mayn't I take just one little peep?--not that I've an atom of curiosity! BART. No, no! JOSEPHINE. Well, if you insist on it. BART. I do not _insist,_ I beg, _implore_ of you. JOSEPHINE. Very well! (_hurries out at R. H._). BART. (_watching her out, then taking miniature out and looking at it_). My portrait! and what is written here? (_Reading._) "From memory." What am I to think? Can I dare to hope that her indifference was assumed--that she ever loved me--that she loves me still? Can such happiness be mine? Dear, dear Julia. But zounds! what about Josephine? Poor little girl! I can't marry them both! What--what is to be done? (_walking up and down_). Will anybody tell me what's to be done? _Enter ROYSTON hurriedly at C._ ROYS. (_coming down_). Oh, here you are! I couldn't wait any longer! (_following BARTON up and down_). BART. (_impatiently_). Don't worry! don't bother! ROYS. (_astonished_). Bother! when I want to thank you for introducing me to this charming, amiable family, and to tell you I don't despair of becoming one of it! BART. What? ROYS. In a word, I'm in love! There's no mistake about it! Over head and ears in love! BART. What, sir? you persist in carrying on this absurd, ridiculous joke? ROYS. Joke? BART. Yes, sir; I beg to tell you I'll not allow, I'll not permit you to annoy poor dear Julia--I mean Miss Templeton--with your unwelcome attentions, sir--your absurd importunities, sir? ROYS. Miss Templeton? My dear fellow, she's nothing whatever to do with it! It's the other! the little one! BART. (_joyfully_). Josephine? ROYS. Yes. BART. My dear fellow! Come to my arms! (_throwing his arms about ROYSTON, who struggles_). I congratulate you! I give you joy! Such a sweet, charming, amiable creature, brimful of talent, overflowing with tenderness. Come to my arms again! (_embracing ROYSTON again_). ROYS. Then you'll speak for me--eh? BART. Speak for yourself--here she comes. _Enter JOSEPHINE hurriedly at R._ JOSEPHINE (_stopping on seeing ROYSTON_). Mr. Royston. BART. (_aside to ROYSTON_). Now, then, speak out! don't be afraid! put on a sentimental look. ROYS. (_assuming a very lackadaisical look_). This sort of thing! (_Aloud._) Miss Josephine--I--I-- (_Aside._) It's very awkward! if I only knew how to begin. BART. (_aside to him_). Go on! ROYS. Pardon my frankness, but it has been impossible for me to find myself in your charming society without being captivated--enchanted--by your fascinations, your-- JOSEPHINE (_surprised_). I thought it was my sister who-- ROYS. So it was! but she wouldn't have me! that's why I-- BART. (_hastily aside to him_). No! that won't do!