Gerald! will you kiss me?

GERALD [_kisses her_].

How many times does that make?

MARGERY.

Only three this morning. You used to like kissing me.

GERALD.

Yes, dear, but----

MARGERY.

What?

GERALD.

This isn't writing my book.

MARGERY.

No, but it's being happy, and that's worth all the books that ever were written.

GERALD.

Yes--being happy--that's the great thing.

[_Sighs._

MARGERY.

Why do you sigh?

GERALD.

Did I sigh?

[_Smiling._

MARGERY.

Yes.

GERALD.

I didn't know I sighed. Writing's hard work.

MARGERY.

Then put the book away! [_Thrusts the MS. aside._] I've such news for you!

GERALD.

News?

MARGERY.

Such good news. Guess what it is. I'll give you three tries.

GERALD [_deprecatingly_].

Margery!

MARGERY.

You'll never guess!

GERALD.

Then what's the use of trying?

MARGERY.

Because I want you to guess wrong.

GERALD.

I shan't do that!

MARGERY.

You will! I'm sure you will!

GERALD.

I'm sure I shan't, because I am not going to guess at all.

MARGERY [_grimaces_].

Cross again! You'd better not be, or you know the penalty!

GERALD.

Come! what is the good news?

MARGERY.