'Gad, sir, you're a man; and I thought you were a monkey. I congratulate you!
I thought a Cazenove would come right side up.
But cautiously. Courage! I'll back you up!
Stay! Don't do anything rash! I wouldn't risk a private interview. Safety in numbers.
Courage, yourself! You're shaking all over.
Where are you? Why have you deserted me? To leave me at the mercy of that crew! My poor, dear, Gerald! however did you get into this set?
I thought, that crime would bring its punishment. Now, they're upon the marriage service! As though _that_ concerned them! Gerald, if you marry any of that tribe, you'll really break my heart!
_The door L. is thrown open, and re-enter DR. MARY, ENID, and VICTORIA, all talking, followed by MARGERY, who takes up her original position at the back._
To promise to love is ridiculous, for how can one control the mysterious expansions of the heart?
It is the brain that loves. A still more complicated mechanism.
It is impossible to honour a man who has invariably lived a revolting, ante-nuptial life----
Lady Wargrave, even _you_ surely wouldn't promise to "obey" a man?
One moment, ladies! Stay one moment, aunt! Before you go I want to tell you all of _my_ engagement.
To Agnes Syl--? Oh, I forgot; she's married.
[_All stand transfixed. Exit COLONEL, door in flat._
Mr. Cazenove, I offer you my congratulations. Having a clinical lecture to deliver, you will excuse me if I say good afternoon.
Wait for me, Doctor. [_Exit DR. MARY, door in flat._] You have my best wishes.
And thank you for the plot of my next novel.
And you, a Cazenove! It is out of the question! I won't permit it! I forbid it, Gerald!
But, my dear aunt, you said only just now----
Don't repeat my words! A Cazenove marry Margery! Ridiculous!
Silence! You said just now, you hoped that you would never break my heart. Well, Gerald, you have broken it. A Cazenove!
[_Exit, door in flat. MARGERY takes up the cushion, and is about to follow._
Put that thing down. [_She puts it down._] You are mine now; not hers.
_You_'re not afraid to make those promises!
SCENE.--_Study at GERALD'S opening upon a little boudoir, through curtains which are drawn across part of the stage at back. Doors, R., and L.U.E. Mantelpiece, between doors, R._