I know what you mean. I might use all short words instead of long ones. [_GERALD laughs._] Don't be afraid: I'll pick the longest in the dictionary. [_Kisses him._] Ah, Gerald, dear! short words were good enough for you once!

[_Archly._

GERALD.

I dare say.

MARGERY.

Yes; when you said, "I love you, Margery!" Say it again!

GERALD.

Margery, what nonsense!

MARGERY.

That's what I like--nonsense. Say it again!

GERALD [_with effort_].

I love you, Margery. [_Sits, and resumes his pen._] Now, let me get on with my work!

MARGERY [_goes L. Aside_]

Somehow it didn't sound like that in Mapledurham. [_Brightly._] Well, I suppose his head's full of his book. I wish mine was of mine. Oh, those French verbs! and what's the use of them? Why isn't English good enough for England?

_Enter WELLS, L._

WELLS.

Captain Sylvester.

[_GERALD flings down his pen in despair. Exit WELLS, L._

_Enter SYLVESTER._

MARGERY.

Ah, I'm so glad you've come! [_Crosses to him._] I wanted somebody to talk to. Gerald's so busy!

[_Takes SYLVESTER'S hat and stick._

SYLVESTER.

Busy? then I'm afraid I intrude.

GERALD [_resignedly_].

Oh, not at all! [_Sees MARGERY at back, who has put SYLVESTER'S hat on, very much askew, and is marching up and down with the stick under her arm._] Good gracious, Margery!

[_MARGERY laughs. SYLVESTER laughs. GERALD goes up, s.n.a.t.c.hes the hat and stick, and turns to put them down._

MARGERY.

Cross again! [_As GERALD turns again, he finds himself face to face with her, holding her mouth out._] Penalty!

GERALD.

It is for Captain Sylvester to forgive you.

SYLVESTER.

Anything. Mrs. Cazenove can do no wrong. [_Bows. MARGERY curtseys._]

But where's Agnes? Happening to pa.s.s this way, I thought I might perhaps give her a lift home.

MARGERY.

Oh! Gerald expects Mrs. Sylvester----

GERALD.

Later on, later on!

SYLVESTER.

Then may I wait for her?

GERALD.

Oh, certainly! [_Taking up MSS._] If you'll excuse me going on with my work. I've been a good deal interrupted.

[_Goes to door, R._

SYLVESTER.

By all means, if I may talk to Mrs. Cazenove!

[_GERALD bows stiffly and exit, R., watched by MARGERY, who makes a grimace to audience._

MARGERY.

I believe Gerald's jealous!

SYLVESTER [_laughing_].

Of _me?_

MARGERY [_laughs_].