_Enter Agnes, with her bonnet in her hand. She sits down, musing._
_Agnes._ I never was so unhappy before; for that gipsy woman has raised doubts and fears which overwhelm me. Lucy, too, has been told something that affects her deeply. She never spoke during the whole way home, and seemed glad to get rid of me as she ran into her father's house. If this should be true (and why raise such a report without foundation? no one could be so wicked), what a discovery. At all events, until the truth be ascertained, I shall be miserable. Heigho! I anticipated so much pleasure in meeting my brother and Captain Mertoun. Now, what am I to do? If he were to--to--offer to----(_cries_). It would be so unhandsome, knowing this report, to say "Yes" (_sobs_), and so unkind to say "No!" O dear! I'm very miserable.
_Adm._ Why, Agnes, the servants have been out everywhere seeking you. For shame! to be out of the way when you know that your brother was coming. Edward is much hurt at your indifference. Why, what's the matter, child? You appear to have been crying! My dear girl, what has vexed you? See, here they both come.
_Capt. Eth._ My dear Agnes! (_Agnes runs up to him, embraces him, and then bursts into tears_). Why, what is the matter, my dear sister?
_Agnes_ (_hanging on her brother's neck_). O! I am so rejoiced to see you!
_Capt. Eth._ (_kisses her_). You look the personification of joy! But, Agnes, here is one whom you have met before. Is it necessary to introduce Mertoun? (_Captain Mertoun advances._)
_Agnes._ O no! (_curtseying formally to Captain Mertoun, who offers his hand._)
_Capt. Mer._ (_confused, and apart to Captain Etheridge_). Good heavens! I must have displeased her!
_Capt. Eth._ (_aside_). Impossible. I do not comprehend it.
_Capt. Mer._ I am most happy to renew our acquaintance, Miss Etheridge, under the sanction of your parents' roof.
_Agnes_ (_inclining her head_). I shall always be most happy to receive my brother's friends.
_Adm._ Agnes, my love, the heat has overpowered you. You have hastened home too fast. Come out with me. You'll be better soon. [_Exeunt Sir Gilbert and Agnes._
_Capt. Eth._ What can it be? She is certainly distressed.
_Capt. Mer._ Her reception of me is, indeed, very different from what I had anticipated from the manner in which we parted. I must say, that either her conduct is very inconsistent, or her memory very treacherous.