Well, you're easily shocked!

VICTORIA.

You have a latch-key?

[_Triumphantly._

MARGERY [_simply_].

Yes, we have a latch-key!

BOTH [_in different tones_].

_We?_

MARGERY.

What would Gerald do without one?

VICTORIA [_with contempt_].

Gerald!

MARGERY.

When he comes home late.

ENID.

_Does_ he come home late?

VICTORIA.

All men do!

ENID.

_Before_ marriage. Would that were _all_ they did. [_Mysteriously._]

Has he told you everything?

MARGERY.

He's told me everything I've asked him.

VICTORIA [_with curiosity, putting down cigarette_].

What have you asked him?

MARGERY.

Nothing!

ENID.

Margery! [_rises_] it's such women as you on whom men prey!

[_Turns off._

VICTORIA [_rises_].

And it's such men as him that women marry!

[_Turns off._

MARGERY.

When they get the chance! [_Grimace at audience._

_Re-enter WELLS, L._

WELLS.

Colonel Cazenove.

[_ENID hides her cigarette behind her back; MARGERY flings hers away, jumps down and runs to meet him. Exit WELLS, L._

_Enter COLONEL._

MARGERY.

Uncle!

[_Flings her arms round his neck, and gives him three smacking kisses.

COLONEL smiles all over his face. ENID and VICTORIA exchange shrugs._

COLONEL.

Bless me! what a smell of tobacco! [_Looks about, sniffing, sees VICTORIA._] Ah, the foolish--beg pardon!--Miss Vivash! [_Bow._] Dear me, something burning!

[_Sniffs. VICTORIA sits again._

ENID [_confused_].

Yes, Mr. Cazenove--the next room

COLONEL [_seeing her_].

Man the Be---- Miss Bethune, I think?