MISS WILLOUGHBY. Phoebe, has Captain Brown been apprised of Miss Livvy's illness?
PHOEBE (uncomfortably). I think not, Miss Willoughby.
MISS WILLOUGHBY (sorry for PHOEBE, and speaking very kindly). Is this right, Phoebe? You informed Fanny and Henrietta at the ball of his partiality for Livvy. My dear, it is hard for you, but have you any right to keep them apart?
PHOEBE (discovering only now what are the suspicions of her friends). Is that what you think I am doing, Miss Willoughby?
MISS WILLOUGHBY. Such a mysterious illness. (Sweetly) Long ago, Phoebe, I once caused much unhappiness through foolish jealousy. That is why I venture to hope that you will not be as I was, my dear.
PHOEBE. I jealous of Livvy!
MISS WILLOUGHBY (with a sigh). I thought as little of the lady I refer to, but he thought otherwise.
PHOEBE. Indeed, Miss Willoughby, you wrong me.
(But MISS WILLOUGHBY does not entirely believe her, and there is a pause, so long a pause that unfortunately MISS SUSAN thinks she has left the house.)
MISS SUSAN (peeping in). Is she gone?