BART. (bowing to MRS. TEMPLETON). Your servant, madam. (To COLONEL.) Ah! my dear colonel, I hope you’re well. But perhaps I ought to apologize for entering unannounced. You may be engaged?
MRS. T. Not at all. I am aware, Mr. Barton, how deeply I am in your debt; but now that the business which served as your first introduction here is satisfactorily concluded, pray remember my house is open to you as before (BARTON bows). You will kindly excuse me now—a few orders to give (courtesies and exit L. H.; at the same moment the door at R. H. opens and JOSEPHINE peeps in).
JOSEPHINE. Is the coast clear? (watching MRS. TEMPLETON as she goes out). She’s gone at last (runs in).
BART. (meeting her). Jo, dear Jo (taking her hand, which he is about to kiss).
JOSEPHINE. Wait a minute! (looking after MRS. TEMPLETON). She’s quite disappeared; now you may! (holding out her hand to BARTON, who kisses it). And now (turning to COLONEL), you dear, good, kind old uncle. Uncle is it, or cousin? I never know which.
COL. Don’t you? It’s simple enough. Your mother’s elder brother’s second—never mind. Call me uncle.
JOSEPHINE. Well? Have you spoken to Aunt Martha?
BART. Yes. Have you broken the ice?
COL. Cracked it, that’s all!