MISS SUSAN (_with spirit_). You have been standing beside me, sir, nearly all the evening. SPICER (_humbly. It is strange to think that he had been favourably mentioned in despatches_). Indeed, I cannot but be cognisant of the sufferings I cause by attaching myself to you in this unseemly manner. Accept my assurances, ma'am, that you have my deepest sympathy. MISS SUSAN. Then why do you do it? SPICER. Because you are her aunt, ma'am. It is a scheme of mine by which I am in hopes to soften her heart. Her affection for you, ma'am, is beautiful to observe, and if she could be persuaded that I seek her hand from a passionate desire to have you for my Aunt Susan--do you perceive anything hopeful in my scheme, ma'am? MISS SUSAN. No, sir, I do not. (SPICER _wanders away gloomily, takes too much to drink, and ultimately becomes a general_. ENSIGN BLADES _appears, frowning, and_ CHARLOTTE _ventures to touch his sleeve._) CHARLOTTE. Ensign Blades, I have not danced with you once this evening. BLADES (_with the cold brutality of a lover to another she_). Nor I with you, Charlotte. (_To_ SUSAN.) May I solicit of you, Miss Susan, is Captain Brown Miss Livvy's guardian; is he affianced to her? MISS SUSAN. No, sir. BLADES. Then by what right, ma'am, does he interfere? Your elegant niece had consented to accompany me to the shrubbery--to look at the moon. And now Captain Brown forbids it. 'Tis unendurable. CHARLOTTE. But you may see the moon from here, sir. BLADES (_glancing at it contemptuously_). I believe not, ma'am. (_The moon still shines on._) MISS SUSAN (_primly_). I am happy Captain Brown forbade her. BLADES. Miss Susan, 'twas but because he is to conduct her to the shrubbery himself. (_He flings out pettishly, and_ MISS SUSAN _looks pityingly at the wall-flowers._) MISS SUSAN. My poor Charlotte! May I take you to some very agreeable ladies? CHARLOTTE (_tartly_). No, you may not. I am going to the shrubbery to watch Miss Livvy. MISS SUSAN. Please not to do that. CHARLOTTE (_implying that_ MISS SUSAN _will be responsible for her early death_). My chest is weak. I shall sit among the dew. MISS SUSAN. Charlotte, you terrify me. At least, please to put this cloak about your shoulders. Nay, my dear, allow me. (_She puts a cloak around_ CHARLOTTE, _who departs vindictively for the shrubbery. She will not find_ LIVVY _there, however, for next moment_ MISS PHOEBE _darts in from the back._) PHOEBE (_in a gay whisper_). Susan, another offer [Transcriber's note: officer?] --Major Linkwater--rotund man, black whiskers, fierce expression; he has rushed away to destroy himself. (_We have been unable to find any record of the Major's tragic end._) AN OLD SOLDIER (_looking up from a card table, whence he has heard the raging of_ BLADES). Miss Livvy, ma'am, what is this about the moon? (PHOEBE _smiles roguishly._) PHOEBE (_looking about her_). I want my cloak, Aunt Susan.