VALENTINE. Yes; and I have some intention of pursuing again the old life in Quality Street. (_He is not a man who has reflected much. He has come back thinking that all the adventures have been his, and that the old life in Quality Street has waited, as in a sleep, to be resumed on the day of his return._) I came here in such high spirits, Miss Phoebe. PHOEBE (_with a wry smile_). The change in me depresses you. VALENTINE. I was in hopes that you and Miss Susan would be going to the ball. I had brought cards for you with me to make sure. (_She is pleased and means to accept. He sighs, and she understands that he thinks her too old._) PHOEBE. But now you see that my dancing days are done. VALENTINE (_uncomfortably_). Ah, no. PHOEBE (_taking care he shall not see that he has hurt her_). But you will find many charming partners. Some of them have been my pupils. There was even a pupil of mine who fought at Waterloo. VALENTINE. Young Blades; I have heard him on it. (_She puts her hand wearily to her head_). Miss Phoebe--what a dull grey world it is! (_She turns away to hide her emotion, and_ MISS SUSAN _comes in._) MISS SUSAN. Phoebe, I have said that you will not take the Latin class to-day, and I am dismissing them. VALENTINE. Latin? PHOEBE (_rather defiantly_). I am proud to teach it. (_Breaking down._) Susan--his arm--have you seen? (MISS SUSAN _also is overcome, but recovers as the children crowd in._) MISS SUSAN. Hats off, gentlemen salute, ladies curtsy--to the brave Captain Brown. (CAPTAIN BROWN _salutes them awkwardly, and they cheer him, to his great discomfort, as they pass out._) VALENTINE (_when they have gone_). A terrible ordeal, ma'am. (_The old friends look at each other, and there is a silence_. VALENTINE _feels that all the fine tales and merry jests he has brought back for the ladies have turned into dead things. He wants to go away and think._) PHOEBE. I wish you very happy at the ball. VALENTINE (_sighing_). Miss Susan, cannot we turn all these maps and horrors out till the vacation is over? MISS SUSAN. Indeed, sir, we always do. By to-morrow this will be my dear blue and white room again, and that my sweet spare bedroom. PHOEBE. For five weeks! VALENTINE (_making vain belief_). And then--the--the dashing Mr. Brown will drop in as of old, and, behold, Miss Susan on her knees once more putting tucks into my little friend the ottoman, and Miss Phoebe---Miss Phoebe---- PHOEBE. Phoebe of the ringlets! (_She goes out quietly._) VALENTINE (_miserably_). Miss Susan, what a shame it is. MISS SUSAN (_hotly_). Yes, it is a shame. VALENTINE (_suddenly become more of a man_). The brave Captain Brown! Good God, ma'am, how much more brave are the ladies who keep a school.