FARADAY. (_To_ TARVER _and_ PHYLLIS, _who are seated on sofa, holding hands_) Now, then, you two, none of that! No holding hands! (_They rise quickly, looking embarrassed and facing father_.) You are; not engaged yet, you know. CELIA. (_Happily_) Engaged? Phyllis and Mr. Tarver? FARADAY. (_Reassuringly_) No, no, certainly not. Nothing of the kind. Cheer up, my dear. (_Patting_ CELIA _on the shoulder_) You don't suppose I would allow a chick like _Phyllis_ to marry with you on my hands still? AUNT IDA. (_Who has been watching him and listening to him_) William! (_She takes him by the arm and they go up to the card room together_.) (_There are now in the card room_ GRICE, FARADAY, STEELE, RALEIGH, LADY TRENCHARD _and_ AUNT IDA. AUNT IDA _is out of sight_. RALEIGH, LADY TRENCHARD, GRICE _and_ FARADAY _are playing_. STEELE _is circulating about above table_. TARVER _goes up in the morning room, sits left of table, and reads a magazine_. CELIA _rises and goes to_ PHYLLIS, _who meets her below sofa_.) CELIA. Phyllis----? PHYLLIS. (_Eagerly_) Oh, Celia, you don't really mind, do you? Just because _you can't_--I mean, because you _don't want_ to--get married, you won't try to stop Bobby and me, will you? CELIA. (_In a hurt tone_) Phyllis--dear---- PHYLLIS. (_Relieved_) I knew you wouldn't. I _told_ Bobby----! CELIA. And do you mean to say that Mr. Tarver---- (_Controlling herself with effort_) Phyllis, dear---- You ought to know--by now--there isn't anything I wouldn't do to make my littlest sister happy. (_Patting_ PHYLLIS _on cheek_.) PHYLLIS. (_Carelessly engrossed in her own affairs_) Oh, of course, I _know_ that. But, Celia, you're quite mistaken and unjust about poor Bobby. CELIA. (_Smiling, rather bitterly_) Oh--I hope not, Phyllis. I--can't stand--injustice! PHYLLIS. (_Kneeling on stool_ R.C.) _But you are!_ In spite of all his worries and preoccupations about his election, Bobby takes the _greatest interest_ in you, Celia---- CELIA. (_Crosses_ C. _Smiles ironically_) Yes? PHYLLIS. I tell you _he does!_ (_Forgetting herself in her zeal_) As soon as he has time, Bobby means to do everything he can to get _Admiral Grice to propose to you!_ CELIA. (_Recoiling_) What!! PHYLLIS. (_Crestfallen_) Oh--I oughtn't to have told you, I suppose. But it's true, all the same. (_Reproachfully_) You don't appreciate Bobby's _noble nature_, Celia. You don't know how Bobby realizes your--your _loneliness_, Celia. Unless you could hear him talk about you, you'd never guess how much darling Bobby _pities_ you. CELIA. (_In a changed voice_) Phyllis. One moment, please---- (_With an effort at calm_) Do you mean to say that you and--and Mr. Tarver have been--been discussing--me? Oh! (_Clenching her handkerchief_.)