SYLVESTER.
I'm afraid Mrs. Cazenove won't be an apt pupil.
VICTORIA.
No spirit--no proper pride. But things can't go on as they're going long. Margery is on the edge of a volcano. I give it six months.
SYLVESTER.
Is it as bad as that?
VICTORIA.
Never at home--and when he is--"in the next room." Never takes her anywhere, and I don't wonder at it. Margery is too _gauche_ for anything. But what could be expected, when a man throws himself away in that manner? Bless me, there were other women in the world!
SYLVESTER.
Oh, plenty, plenty.
VICTORIA.
Unluckily, he's found that out. [_Aside._] That's one for _him!_
SYLVESTER.
Indeed!
VICTORIA [_gives him a glance of contempt, and produces a cigarette case_].
Do you mind tobacco?
SYLVESTER.
Not at all. I like it.
_Re-enter MARGERY, R._
If Mrs. Cazenove----
MARGERY.
Gerald's so busy, will you please excuse him?
VICTORIA.
Certainly. Will you join me?
[_Offers case._
MARGERY.
Thank you, I can't smoke.
VICTORIA.
Then you should learn at once.
[_Puts a cigarette in her mouth._
Could you oblige me with a light? [_SYLVESTER strikes a match._]
Thanks.
[_Lights up at the wrong end of a gold-tipped cigarette. MARGERY stands, arms akimbo, surveying her._
MARGERY.
Do you like smoking?
VICTORIA.
No, but I smoke on principle!
SYLVESTER.
On the wrong principle!
VICTORIA.
I beg your pardon. Men smoke cigarettes.
SYLVESTER.
Yes, but they light them at the other end.
[_VICTORIA takes the cigarette out of her mouth and looks at it.
MARGERY and SYLVESTER burst out laughing. She throws it away viciously._
_Re-enter WELLS, L._
WELLS.
Miss Bethune.
[_Exit WELLS, L._
_Enter ENID._
ENID.