ROYS. (_shouting_). No! that won't do! JOSEPHINE. (_still more astonished_). And you don't hesitate to address me in this language before-- (_pointing to BARTON_). ROYS. Before my friend--my bosom friend--that I went to school with at Bagnigge Wells? Why should I? It is he who encourages me--who tells me to "go on." You told me to "go on," didn't you? JOSEPHINE (_with intention, and looking at BARTON_). But has it never occurred to you that you might have a rival? ROYS. So much the better! I should make it my immediate business to sweep him off the face of the earth! JOSEPHINE (_to BARTON, in a sarcastic tone_). And you, sir! you can listen with perfect calmness, indifference! Have _you_ nothing to say? ROYS. Yes! Have _you_ nothing?-- BART. (_aside to him_). Hold _your_ tongue! (_Aloud, and with affected solemnity._) Ah! who can anticipate events? How little do we know what a few hours may bring forth! ROYS. Yes! how little do we know!-- BART. (_aside to him again_). Hold your tongue! (_Aloud._) In a word, what if circumstances compel me to leave England for a considerable time? JOSEPHINE. A considerable time? BART. Yes; for two years at least--possibly more! JOSEPHINE. Two or three years? BART. Could I venture to hope that you would submit to such a tax on your goodness--your patience? JOSEPHINE (_very quickly_). I should think not, indeed! BART. (_aside_). She doesn't love me! Huzza! (_Aloud._) What course is, then, open to me? One--only one: to sacrifice myself to the happiness of my friend! ROYS. (_grasping his hand_). Glorious creature! JOSEPHINE. But what about your _own_ happiness? It isn't likely you could give me up so quietly without some _other_ reason--some _other_ motive! BART. I have _another_ motive, which for your sister's sake you will respect! In a word, that portrait-- JOSEPHINE. In Julia's box? Yes. Well? BART. Was _mine!_ See! (_taking out portrait and showing it_). JOSEPHINE (_exclaiming_). Yours? It is! ROYS. Yours? It is! (_bewildered_). JOSEPHINE. Then--then _you_ are her young man, after all? ROYS. Yes. You are her young man-- JOSEPHINE. Of course; now I understand. Now I see it all. ROYS. So do I! No, I don't! At least, not _quite._ _Enter COLONEL hurriedly at C._ COL. (_singing as he comes in_). "See, the conquering hero comes." Victory! victory! Everything's settled; and now, my dear young friends (_shaking BARTON'S and JOSEPHINE'S hands_), you can get married as soon as you like. JOSEPHINE. } } BART. } (_together_). Married? } ROYS. } COL. Yes! I had a devil of a fight for it, but I've carried the day! Aunt Martha consents, Julia consents, everybody consents! ROYS. I beg your pardon! _I_ don't! (_Shouting_). I forbid the banns! _Enter MRS. TEMPLETON, followed by JULIA, at R. H._ JULIA (_aside, as she sees BARTON_). Still here! JOSEPHINE. So, Aunt Martha, you've given your consent? And you, too, Julia?