CELIA. Colonel Vavasour. (_She speaks briskly, having no suspicion of his business_. SMITH _bows almost reverentially, sighs deeply. Looks as if about to speak, is silent. His head is bowed. Impatiently_) I am told that you wish to see me on important business. (SMITH _nods head sadly. He looks up and, on seeing_ CELIA, _starts with pleasurable surprise for a moment_.) SMITH. Upon important and lugubrious business. CELIA. Oh--? Don't tell me there's some new difficulty about Mr. Tarver's election? SMITH. I have come to speak to you about one who is dearer to you than all the world. (CELIA _is perplexed_.) As soon as I read the announcement in the "Times" this morning--I felt that I must come to you at once. CELIA. (_Pause_) The announcement!--in the "Times"! (_She is startled. Stares at_ SMITH.) SMITH. Of the death of Colonel Smith. (CELIA _is amazed; turns away quickly_.) CELIA. You will forgive me, I am sure, Colonel Vavasour, but the news of my loss is so recent that you will understand my reluctance to discuss it with a stranger. (_She moves up toward morning room as though to exit_.) SMITH. Don't go, please. (CELIA _turns back_.) It was your sister who took the card which introduces me. (_He takes up card from table_ L.) See! (CELIA _advances_ L. _of table_ R. _and takes card_.) CELIA. "Colonel Smith." But there wasn't any--I _mean_ (_Sits in chair_.) Colonel Vavasour, I am a little overwhelmed. SMITH. (_Sympathetically_) I was afraid you would be. CELIA. (_Staring at card_) Colonel Smith! SMITH. I bring to you his last dying message. CELIA. You--knew--him! SMITH. (_Comes to her_) Turn that card over and read the last words written by his failing hand. (CELIA _turns card over_.) CELIA. "Good-bye." SMITH. Yes. (_Sniffs. Very sadly_) "Good-bye." CELIA. "Be kind to--my friend----" SMITH. "James Nugent----" CELIA. "Vavasour----" SMITH. Col. Smith was my dearest friend. And knowing myself as I do, I can safely say that no one else will ever take his place in my affections. CELIA. How extraordinary---- (SMITH _looks at her_.) I mean--how very unselfish of you. SMITH. Ah, yes. He compelled one's love. _I_ can appreciate possibly better than any one else how great must be your grief. (CELIA _agrees mournfully and regards him with ludicrous suspicion. Goes to table_ L. _and sits_ L. _of it_) Before coming here, I went to see his dear old people. He had never told them of his engagement, but he was always secretive. CELIA. Yes, very secretive. SMITH. His dear little Aunt Mary was very fond of him. CELIA. Oh! Little Aunt Mary! SMITH. And when I told her of your engagement, she was most anxious to meet you. CELIA. Yes, that would be very delightful--but not just yet, please--not just yet.