PATTY. Nay, let him see her! (MISS SUSAN _hurries scandalised into the other room as_ VALENTINE _enters._) VALENTINE. I ventured to come back because---- (PHOEBE _turns to him--he stops abruptly, bewildered._) I beg your pardon, madam, I thought it was Miss Susan or Miss Phoebe. (_His mistake surprises her, but she is in a wild mood and curtsies, then turns away and smiles. He stares as if half-convinced._) PATTY (_with an inspiration_). 'Tis my mistresses' niece, sir; she is on a visit here. (_He is deceived. He bows gallantly, then remembers the object of his visit. He produces a bottle of medicine._) VALENTINE. Patty, I obtained this at the apothecary's for Miss Phoebe's headache. It should be taken at once. PATTY. Miss Phoebe is lying down, sir. VALENTINE. Is she asleep? PATTY (_demurely_). No, sir, I think she be wide awake. VALENTINE. It may soothe her. PHOEBE. Patty, take it to Aunt Phoebe at once. (_PATTY goes out sedately with the medicine._) VALENTINE (_after a little awkwardness, which_ PHOEBE _enjoys_). Perhaps I may venture to present myself, Miss--Miss----? PHOEBE. Miss--Livvy, sir. VALENTINE. I am Captain Brown, Miss Livvy, an old friend of both your aunts. PHOEBE (_curtsying_). I have heard them speak of a dashing Mr. Brown. But I think it cannot be the same. VALENTINE (_a little chagrined_). Why not, ma'am? PHOEBE. I ask your pardon, sir. VALENTINE, I was sure you must be related. Indeed, for a moment the likeness--even the voice---- PHOEBE (_pouting_). La, sir, you mean I am like Aunt Phoebe. Every one says so--and indeed 'tis no compliment. VALENTINE. 'Twould have been a compliment once. You must be a daughter of the excellent Mr. James Throssel who used to reside at Great Buckland. PHOEBE. He is still there. VALENTINE. A tedious twenty miles from here, as I remember. PHOEBE. La! I have found the journey a monstrous quick one, sir. (_The band is again heard. She runs to the window to peep between the curtains, and his eyes follow her admiringly._) VALENTINE (_eagerly_). Miss Livvy, you go to the ball? PHOEBE. Alas, sir, I have no card. VALENTINE. I have two cards for your aunts. As Miss Phoebe has the headache, your Aunt Susan must take you to the ball. PHOEBE. Oh, oh! (_Her feet move to the music._) Sir, I cannot control my feet. VALENTINE. They are already at the ball, ma'am; you must follow them. PHOEBE (_with all the pent-up mischief of ten years_). Oh, sir, do you think some pretty gentleman might be partial to me at the ball? VALENTINE. If that is your wish---- PHOEBE. I should love, sir, to inspire frenzy in the breast of the male. (_With sudden collapse._) I dare not go--I dare not. VALENTINE. Miss Livvy, I vow---- (_He turns eagerly to_ MISS SUSAN, _who enters._) I have ventured, Miss Susan, to introduce myself to your charming niece.