I cannot live apart from these,—
A country life for me!”
(Curtain falls.)
Scene VI.—Drawing-room after the guests have left. Blanche, R., and Eunice, L., present.
B. Do tell me, Eunice, what this means. I am so curious to have it explained.
E. So I supposed. But confess the truth, Blanche. Didn’t you think me a genuine rustic, very ignorant, and quite countrified?
B. I certainly did, but you surely gave me reason. I give you credit for acting your part well. But what induced you to take upon yourself such a character?
E. I was afraid of disappointing you.
B. (surprised). Disappointing me?
E. (smiling). Yes. The day of my arrival I was shown by the servant into the room provided for me. I had scarcely laid aside my bonnet and shawl when you and Aunt Matilda came into the chamber adjoining mine. Unintentionally I overheard you conversing of me. You both had the impression that, as I lived in the country, I must be ignorant and uncultivated. I therefore decided to continue the illusion for a short time. When the party came off, it seemed a fitting time for me to appear in my true character.