BART. Surely you would not betray your sister’s secret—perhaps her happiness?
JOSEPHINE. Much she cared about mine, didn’t she? Aunt Martha must and shall see it! (going; BARTON stops her, the box falls on stage and opens). There! there! how clumsy you are!
BART. (picks up the box, and then suddenly starting). What do I see?
JOSEPHINE. That’s what I want to know! It is a portrait, isn’t it?
BART. (confused). Yes!—no! a mere fancy sketch, nothing more! (taking miniature from box, and hastily concealing it in his breast-pocket). Be persuaded by me! replace the box where you found it! (giving box to her).
JOSEPHINE. Mayn’t I take just one little peep?—not that I’ve an atom of curiosity!
BART. No, no!
JOSEPHINE. Well, if you insist on it.
BART. I do not insist, I beg, implore of you.