A. P. Five minutes past ten! I had no idea ’twas so late. (Gathers up her knitting.) That’s long past the time I usually go to bed. Good-night, Mr. Montgomery; good-night, Clara.
C. Good-night, aunt.
E. M. Good-evening, madam.
(Exit Aunt Patience, R.)
C. What made you tell her it was so late? It isn’t more than nine o’clock.
E. M. (looking at watch). It is just half-past eight. But although I enjoyed her society exceedingly, I was willing to deny myself that pleasure for the sake of having a little private conversation with you on a very important matter. (Clara casts down her eyes. Mr. Montgomery draws his chair near hers, and takes her hand.)
(Curtain falls.)
Scene III.—The same. Mrs. Granby, R., and Clara, L., present.
C. Doesn’t it seem a great relief to have Aunt Patience gone?
Mrs. G. I must say that it does. I was constantly anxious for fear she would learn our real feelings, though I flatter myself we concealed them quite carefully.