I have a clinical lecture----
VICTORIA.
I have an engagement.
GERALD.
One moment, ladies! Stay one moment, aunt! Before you go I want to tell you all of _my_ engagement.
LADY WARGRAVE.
Your engagement, Gerald?
GERALD.
Yes, I am going to be married.
[_Pause._
ENID [_with jealousy_].
To Agnes Syl--? Oh, I forgot; she's married.
LADY WARGRAVE.
To whom?
[_All stand expectantly._
GERALD.
To Margery.
[_All stand transfixed. Exit COLONEL, door in flat._
DOCTOR.
Mr. Cazenove, I offer you my congratulations. Having a clinical lecture to deliver, you will excuse me if I say good afternoon.
ENID.
Wait for me, Doctor. [_Exit DR. MARY, door in flat._] You have my best wishes.
[_Exit, door in flat._
VICTORIA.
And thank you for the plot of my next novel.
[_Exit, door in flat._
LADY WARGRAVE.
Gerald, is this a trick?
GERALD.
No, aunt; it is the truth.
LADY WARGRAVE.
And you, a Cazenove! It is out of the question! I won't permit it! I forbid it, Gerald!
GERALD.
But, my dear aunt, you said only just now----
LADY WARGRAVE.
No matter!
GERALD.
Marry a woman----
LADY WARGRAVE.
Don't repeat my words! A Cazenove marry Margery! Ridiculous!
GERALD.
But, aunt----
LADY WARGRAVE.
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._
GERALD.
Put that thing down. [_She puts it down._] You are mine now; not hers.
MARGERY.
Yes, Mr. Gerald.
GERALD [_sits, drawing her to him_].