[Miss Limbird returns to her desk; Sophy deposits the bowl of water upon the arm of the screen-chair; Bastling fetches his hat, and gives some directions to Miss Limbird.

Muriel.

[To Sophy, in a whisper.] Sophy, these extravagances on his part! I am the cause of them! he is not in the least well off!

Sophy.

Don't worry; it's all booked. Ha, ha! bless him, he'll never get his account from me! [Bastling, with a parting glance in the direction of Muriel and Sophy, goes out.] He's gone.

[Miss Limbird also goes out, carrying the bowl of bath-soap.

Muriel.

[With a sigh of relief.] Oh!

Sophy.

[Coming to her.] We're by ourselves for a minute. Give me a good hug. [Embracing her.] My dear! my darling! ha, ha, ha! you shall be the first to hear of it—I'm engaged.