MISS MEA. What would you do, aunt? MISS MAC. Accept it at once! MISS MEA. You would? MISS MAC. Because, in being a wife, I should have it in my power to make one of the sex utterly miserable! Oh, if I had a husband, how I would torment the creature! MISS MEA. Surely there must be some male person that you do not entirely dislike--Mr. Chester, for instance? MISS MAC. I am grateful to Mr. Chester for saving me from the attack of a ferocious bull when we were walking in the meadows six months ago; but beyond that simple feeling of gratitude, there is nothing in common between us. MISS MEA. He is again passing a few days here. I had the pleasure of speaking to him last night--he promised to call this morning to pay his respects to you! MISS MAC. To _me!_ No, no, miss, I can see through his shallow artifice! Under pretence of paying his respects to _me_, that he may have an interview with _you_--there you see. Even a generous young man that rescued me from the fury of a savage bull, is not exempt from double dealing. [_A knock, F.D._ MISS MEA. Here he is. _(Going to the door.)_ MISS MAC. _I_ shall retire. MISS MEA. Nay, not immediately. MISS MAC. If I remain, I can only be moderately civil. MISS MEA. 'Tis all that is required from you, aunt. [_MISS MEADOWS opens the door._ _Enter MR. CHARLES CHESTER, L._ CHE. Good morning, Miss Macaw. Miss Meadows, I hope you are well; and you, Miss ---- _(To MISS MACAW.)_ MISS MAC. _(Courtesying profoundly.)_ Quite well, sir. CHE. Entirely recovered from your alarm six months ago, when I first met you running from the infuriated animal? MISS MAC. Entirely--though for some weeks I was excessively nervous. I assure you I have not been able to dine off beef since! CHE. You are looking exceedingly well. MISS MAC. I don't believe you. CHE. Nay, I assure you---- MISS MAC. Don't utter falsehoods, young man. You know in your heart that I am not looking well--you merely say so, because you think flattery is agreeable to our sex. You know that I'm a perfect fright, but you have not the moral courage to tell me so to my face. You know you wish me at Jericho at this very moment, only you think it would be rude to order me out of the room; but I'll spare you any further duplicity by leaving you. Good morning, sir. [_She courtesys and goes off, F.E.R._ MISS MEA. My aunt is a singular creature, is she not? though her heart is good, and, indeed, she is my very best friend. But for her care, I know not what would become of me. CHE. I wish I could persuade you to accept of a protection, stronger and more lasting than any aunt can offer you! MISS MEA. I understand you--you wish to marry me. CHE. I do. MISS MEA. But you are poor. CHE. Very. MISS MEA. A painter in water colors. CHE. And one of very moderate talents. MISS MEA. You were sketching a landscape when we first met you six months ago?