ROYS. Still, I repeat, if I had to choose between them—
BART. Pshaw! my dear fellow, if you only knew what nonsense you’re talking! (Aside.) Zounds! I hope he isn’t going to fall in love with Josephine!
COL. Sorry to interrupt, but my time is precious, and business must be attended to. Mr. Royston, will you step into the dining-room with your papers? Barton, you’ll come too?
JOSEPHINE (hastily aside to BARTON). I understand it all, Harry. A very nice young man, indeed! and likely to stand a good chance. Don’t you think so? Where did you pick him up so soon?
BART. Hush! I’ll explain everything another time.
[COLONEL and MRS. TEMPLETON exeunt at R. H., followed by BARTON and ROYSTON. ROYSTON stops, turns, and makes a profound bow to JOSEPHINE. BARTON pushes him out.
JOSEPHINE (aside). I wonder what she thinks of him? (Aloud.) A very gentlemanly young man, Mr. Royston, don’t you think so, Julia?
JULIA (indifferently). I scarcely looked at him.
JOSEPHINE (aside). That’s not very encouraging! (Aloud.) How do you manage to find so many admirers? I can’t!
JULIA (smiling). Hitherto, perhaps, I may have had the lion’s share of attention, homage, and professed admiration; but your turn will come.