Lady C. Marry for love, my dear, or not at all.
Rose. What did you marry for?
Lady C. (stroking Rose’s hair) I didn’t marry; I was married. Don’t ask me any more.
Rose. Poor Aunt Bell! lie down, and let me play to you. (rises)
Lady C. Do, dear. I am too tired to talk. (she lies back on the lounge, Rose goes to the piano)
Rose. (sitting at piano) What shall I play you?
Lady C. Anything you please.
Rose plays on the piano—Lady Carlyon, with the firelight flickering about her, gradually falls asleep.
Music.
Rose. Aunt! (turning) Aunt! (rises and goes on tip-toe to the back of the lounge) She’s fast asleep. (covers Lady Carlyon with the cloaks, until the upper part of her figure is quite hidden, and then stands surveying her) How pretty she looks! but how pale! I like you, aunt! I never saw you till to-day, but I like you. (comes down) If I stop I shall wake her. (crosses to C.) I’ll lower the lamp and go. (lowers the lamp and crosses behind desk to R. at back) Good night, Aunt Bell! (bending over the further end of the lounge) Good night—(kisses her softly)—and pleasant dreams! (Exit, R.)