How are you, dear? [_Kisses_ Margery.] Victoria!
[_Goes to_ Victoria, who presents her cheek.
SYLVESTER [_to MARGERY_].
Now you have company, I'll say good-day. I've waited for my wife quite long enough!
MARGERY [_with outstretched hand_].
But you will come and see me again soon?
[_ENID and VICTORIA exchange glances._
SYLVESTER [_holding her hand, and in a lower voice_].
Shall you be in to-morrow?
MARGERY [_frankly_].
Yes. [_SYLVESTER smiles and presses her hand; she sees her mistake._]
If Gerald is.
[_ENID and VICTORIA are exchanging whispers._
SYLVESTER [_drops her hand; aside_].
Women are like Bradshaw--a guide and a puzzle!
[_Exit, L._
ENID.
Does Captain Sylvester often call, my dear?
MARGERY.
He has done lately.
ENID.
Quite a change for him! He must occasionally meet his wife!
VICTORIA [_who has gone to the mantelpiece for a match_].
Now that that man has gone----
[_Lights another cigarette._
ENID.
Victoria!
VICTORIA [_offering case to MARGERY_].
Can't I prevail on you?
MARGERY [_takes one_].
Well, I don't mind trying.
[_Lights hers from VICTORIA'S, VICTORIA putting the case on the table._
ENID.
How _can_ you, Margery? I call it shocking! To take a nasty, evil-smelling thing like this [_taking a cigarette out of VICTORIA'S case_]--and put it to your lips--brrh! [_Shudders, but puts it in her mouth. MARGERY presses her burning cigarette against it till it is alight._] Don't, Margery, don't! I call it horrid--most unladylike!
MARGERY.
Now puff!
[_All three sit and puff vigorously. MARGERY perched on table._
VICTORIA.
Well, dear, and how are you getting on?
MARGERY.
Oh, famously!
ENID.
I hope you've taken my advice to heart!
VICTORIA.
And mine! Have you a latch-key yet?
MARGERY.
Oh, yes!
ENID.
Margery, you shock me!
MARGERY.