Gerald! say Gerald!

MARGERY.

It's no use. I can't!

GERALD.

Say you will marry me!

MARGERY.

If you will let me call you "Mr. Gerald."

[_Embrace._

COLONEL [_off, opens door L._].

Margery! where are you?

_Re-enter L., just as MARGERY is withdrawing from GERALD'S arms, stands thunderstruck. Exit MARGERY, L._

GERALD.

It's all right, uncle.

COLONEL.

All right, you call it? Look here, you young cub! None of your higher morality with Margery!

GERALD.

I tell you, it's all right. Margery's going to be your niece--my wife.

COLONEL.

Margery, your wife! [_Slight pause._] You're a d.a.m.ned lucky dog!

GERALD.

That I am, uncle!

COLONEL.

'Gad, sir, you're a man; and I thought you were a monkey. I congratulate you!

GERALD [_shaking hands_].

_You_ don't object then?

COLONEL.

I thought a Cazenove would come right side up.

GERALD.

But what will aunt say?

COLONEL [_suddenly collapses_].

I was forgetting Caroline!

GERALD.

She must be told.

COLONEL.

But cautiously. Courage! I'll back you up!

GERALD.

I'll tell her now!

COLONEL.

Stay! Don't do anything rash! I wouldn't risk a private interview.

Safety in numbers.

GERALD.

I will tell them all!

COLONEL.

Sht! what a bomb-sh.e.l.l! Courage!

GERALD.

Courage, yourself! You're shaking all over.

COLONEL.

No matter. I'll stand by you!

LADY WARGRAVE [_opening door, L._].

Gerald!

COLONEL.