MISS FANNY (sternly just). They informed Mary that she was nigh asleep.
VALENTINE. It is not a serious illness I think, ma'am. With the permission of Miss Phoebe and Miss Susan I will make myself more acquaint with her disorder presently. (He is desirous to be alone.) But we must not talk lest we disturb her.
MISS FANNY. You suggest our retiring, sir?
VALENTINE. Nay, Miss Fanny——
MISS FANNY. You are very obliging; but I think, Henrietta——
MISS HENRIETTA (rising). Yes, Fanny.
(No doubt they are the more ready to depart that they wish to inform MISS WILLOUGHBY at once of these strange doings. As they go, MISS SUSAN and MISS PHOEBE return, and the adieux are less elaborate than usual. Neither visitors nor hostesses quite know what to say. MISS SUSAN is merely relieved to see them leave, but MISS PHOEBE has read something in their manner that makes her uneasy.)
PHOEBE. Why have they departed so hurriedly, sir? They—they did not go in to see Livvy?
VALENTINE. No.
(She reads danger in his face.)