I can walk alone--see.

(_She reclines upon the couch._)

MISS SUSAN. How do you think she is looking?

(_He makes a professional examination of the patient, and they are very
ashamed to deceive him, but not so ashamed that they must confess._)

What do you think?

VALENTINE (_solemnly_). She will recover. May I say, ma'am, it
surprises me that any one should see much resemblance between you and
your Aunt Phoebe. Miss Phoebe is decidedly shorter and more thick-set.

PHOEBE (_sitting up_). No, I am not.

VALENTINE. I said Miss Phoebe, ma'am. (_She reclines._) But tell me,
is not Miss Phoebe to join us?

PHOEBE. She hopes you will excuse her, sir.

MISS SUSAN (_vaguely_). Taking the opportunity of airing the room.

VALENTINE. Ah, of course.

MISS SUSAN (_opening bedroom door and catting mendaciously_). Captain
Brown will excuse you, Phoebe.

VALENTINE. Certainly, Miss Susan. Well, ma'am, I think I could cure
Miss Livvy if she is put unreservedly into my hands.

MISS SUSAN (_with a sigh_). I am sure you could.

VALENTINE. Then you are my patient, Miss Livvy.

PHOEBE (_nervously_). 'Twas but a passing indisposition, I am almost
quite recovered.

VALENTINE. Nay, you still require attention. Do you propose making a
long stay in Quality Street, ma'am?

PHOEBE. I--I--I hope not. It--it depends.

MISS SUSAN (_forgetting herself_). Mary is the worst.

VALENTINE. I ask your pardon?

PHOEBE. Aunt Susan, you are excited.

VALENTINE. But you are quite right, Miss Livvy; home is the place for
you.

PHOEBE. Would that I could go!

VALENTINE. You are going.

PHOEBE. Yes--soon.

VALENTINE. Indeed, I have a delightful surprise for you, Miss Livvy,
you are going to-day.

PHOEBE. To-day?

VALENTINE. Not merely to-day, but now. As it happens, my carriage is
standing idle at your door, and I am to take you in it to your
home--some twenty miles if I remember.

PHOEBE. You are to take me?

VALENTINE. Nay, 'tis no trouble at all, and as your physician my mind
is made up. Some wraps for her, Miss Susan.

MISS SUSAN. But--but----

PHOEBE (_in a panic_). Sir, I decline to go.

VALENTINE. Come, Miss Livvy, you are in my hands.

PHOEBE. I decline. I am most determined.

VALENTINE. You admit yourself that you are recovered.

PHOEBE. I do not feel so well now. Aunt Susan!

MISS SUSAN. Sir----

VALENTINE. If you wish to consult Miss Phoebe----

MISS SUSAN.