PATTY. I think she was feared you would offer to her out of pity. She said something to Miss Susan about keeping a flag flying. What she meant I know not. (_But he knows, and he turns away his face._) Are you laughing, sir? VALENTINE. No, Patty, I am not laughing. Why do they not say Miss Livvy has gone home? It would save them a world of trouble. PATTY. The Misses Willoughby and Miss Henrietta--they watch the house all day. They would say she cannot be gone, for we did not see her go. VALENTINE (_enlightened at last_). I see! PATTY. And Miss Phoebe and Miss Susan wring their hands, for they are feared Miss Livvy is bedridden here for all time. (_Now his sense of humour asserts itself_). Thank the Lord, you 're laughing! (_At this he laughs the more, and it is a gay_ CAPTAIN BROWN _on whom_ MISS SUSAN _opens the bedroom door. This desperate woman is too full of plot to note the change in him._) MISS SUSAN. I am happy to inform you, sir, that Livvy finds herself much improved. VALENTINE (_bolting_). It is joy to me to hear it. MISS SUSAN. She is coming in to see you. PATTY (_aghast_). Oh, ma'am! VALENTINE (_frowning on_ PATTY). I shall be happy to see the poor invalid. PATTY. Ma'am----! (_But_ MISS SUSAN, _believing that so far all is well, has returned to the bedchamber_. CAPTAIN BROWN _bestows a quizzical glance upon the maid._) VALENTINE. Go away, Patty. Anon I may claim a service of you, but for the present, go. PATTY. But--but---- VALENTINE. Retire, woman. (_She has to go, and he prepares his face for the reception of the invalid_. PHOEBE _comes in without her cap, the ringlets showing again. She wears a dressing jacket and is supported by_ MISS SUSAN.) VALENTINE (_gravely_). Your servant, Miss Livvy. PHOEBE (_weakly_). How do you do? VALENTINE. Allow me, Miss Susan. (_He takes_ MISS SUSAN'S _place; but after an exquisite moment_ MISS PHOEBE _breaks away from him, feeling that she is not worthy of such bliss._) PHOEBE. No, no, I--I can walk alone--see. (_She reclines upon the couch._) MISS SUSAN. How do you think she is looking? (_He makes a professional examination of the patient, and they are very ashamed to deceive him, but not so ashamed that they must confess._) What do you think? VALENTINE (_solemnly_). She will recover. May I say, ma'am, it surprises me that any one should see much resemblance between you and your Aunt Phoebe. Miss Phoebe is decidedly shorter and more thick-set. PHOEBE (_sitting up_). No, I am not. VALENTINE. I said Miss Phoebe, ma'am. (_She reclines._) But tell me, is not Miss Phoebe to join us? PHOEBE. She hopes you will excuse her, sir. MISS SUSAN (_vaguely_). Taking the opportunity of airing the room. VALENTINE. Ah, of course. MISS SUSAN (_opening bedroom door and catting mendaciously_). Captain Brown will excuse you, Phoebe.