ROYS. (recollecting). Yes; that was before—I mean after—
COL. (aside and suspiciously). I suspect these young fellows are playing some little game of their own; and, what’s more, I can pretty well guess what it is!
MRS. T. (aside to COLONEL). As Mr. Royston is an entire stranger to me, may I ask you, Cousin Samuel, what is the opinion you have formed of him?
COL. Oh! a very charming young man, indeed! Most respectable family! an ample income already, with great expectations from a couple of aunts and a godmother! A little wild at present, perhaps, but he’ll soon settle down when he’s married! Ah! happy the woman who makes a conquest of such a man! (Aside.) There! now I’m in the conspiracy too!
MRS. T. (to ROYSTON). Your friend Mr. Barton does not leave here till to-morrow; you, I hope, will also defer your departure till then?
BART. (quickly to ROYSTON). Of course you will! (To MRS. T.) Of course he will! (To ROYSTON.) You’ll be only too delighted! (To MRS. T.) He’ll be only too delighted!
MRS. T. Ah! here’s my niece! (going up to meet JULIA, who enters at C.).
ROYS. (seeing JOSEPHINE, who at the same moment enters at R. H.). Look! what a charming creature!
BART. No, no! it isn’t she! it’s the other! Look there! (pointing to JULIA). There’s a figure! there’s a symmetry! Look at those finely-chiselled features!
ROYS. Yes, yes! but still, in my opinion (looking admiringly at JOSEPHINE)—