[Lukyn, turning away, discovers Charlotte in the act of lifting the covers from the dishes and inspecting the contents.

Lukyn.

Ah, devilled oysters!

Charlotte.

Oh!

[Drops dish-cover with a crash, and runs over to the table and speaks to Agatha Posket.

Lukyn.

Don’t go—pray look at ’em again—wish I could persuade you to taste them. What am I to do? Shall I promise? Poor Posket! If I don’t promise she’ll cry and won’t go home. The oysters are nearly cold—cold! What must he be! [Drawing aside the curtain, and not seeing Vale, he staggers back.] Gone—and without a cry—brave fellow, brave fellow!

Agatha Posket.

Colonel Lukyn.