MRS. T. What? Then it wasn't about--her? BLUNT (_surprised_). Her? JESSIE. Yes. M--Martha! BLUNT. What! me and master fall out about a petticoat? Ha! ha! Not we! I suppose I had offended him somehow or other, and he got into one of his "little pets," and--struck me--_not_ with his hand, ma'am. It nearly broke my heart. He saw it, and, like a true gentleman as he is, he asks me, with almost tears in his eyes, to give him a good hiding, and we sets at it at once then and there; and that's all about it, ma'am. MRS. T. (_suddenly_). Take that luggage away. Not a word. Remember, I am commanding officer here! (_BLUNT makes a salute_). In the mean time I'll see your master. JESSIE. Yes, we'll see your master. BLUNT. Do please, ladies; and if you'd only try just to cheer him up a bit. JESSIE (_eagerly_). Is he unhappy, then? BLUNT. All I know is, as he was ramming his things into his portmanteau with his fists--this sort of thing (_imitating_).--I saw a great big one hanging to the tip of his nose. JESSIE. A great big what? Not a tear? BLUNT. Yes, miss! he said it was a cold in his head, but I know better. JACK (_heard from room L. H._). Blunt! Blunt! BLUNT. Coming, sir! (_about to run to the door L. H._). MRS. T. (_pointing to C._). That way, if you please. Remember, obedience is the first duty of a soldier. [_BLUNT makes a salute, and exit at C. with portmanteau._ JESSIE. Oh, aunty! only fancy poor Jack with a tear hanging to the tip of his great big nose--I mean, a great big tear! Why, _why_ did you let me tell my guardian that I'd never marry Jack? _Do_ run after him, and tell him I've changed my mind, and that I'll _never,_ never, never marry any one else. _Do_ make haste, aunty dear. _Do_ be a little bit impetuous like me (_during this she has urged MRS. TARLETAN towards C._). MRS.T. (_laughing_). Spoiled child! spoiled child! (_kisses her, and hurries out at C._). _Enter JACK at door L. H., dressed in tweed travelling suit, an overcoat over his arm, and a small bag in his hand._ JACK (_stops on seeing JESSIE_). A thousand pardons, Jes--I mean Miss Manvers. I expected to find my aunt. JESSIE (_archly_). And you are disappointed at finding only _me?_ JACK (_aside_). What unseemly levity! (_Aloud._) I cannot leave her roof without wishing her good-by. JESSIE. Of course not--but you're not going? (_smiling_). JACK (_assuming a very dignified manner_). I beg your pardon, _miss!_ JESSIE (_imitating JACK_). I beg yours, _sir!_ JACK. What! remain here and see you married? JESSIE. Of course; how _can_ I get married unless you _do_ remain? JACK (_indignantly_). You don't expect me to give Dicky away, I hope? JESSIE. No; but I certainly _do_ expect you will give yourself away! and to me who love you, oh, so dearly! JACK (_throwing away his coat, etc., and clasping JESSIE in his arms_). Jessie darling! But what--what does it all mean?