Caroline's a heart of gold; but your aunt must be managing! So I let her manage, and I manage _her._

MARGERY.

You?

[_Smiling._

COLONEL.

But I do it quietly. I influence her, without her knowing it. Sheer force of character. Chut! not a word! [_Backing away from her, signalling silence; backs into LADY WARGRAVE._] Ten thousand pardons!

[_Bows profusely._

LADY WARGRAVE.

Really, Theodore!

[_MARGERY goes up, stifling her laughter; he shakes his handkerchief at her._

_Re-enter WELLS, L._

WELLS.

Mrs. Sylvester!

_Enter MRS. SYLVESTER; she hesitates, on seeing LADY WARGRAVE. Exit WELLS, L._

GERALD.

Pray come in, Mrs. Sylvester. You know my aunt.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I think we've met before.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Yes, at my nephew's chambers. I remember perfectly. You were engaged upon some work or other.

GERALD.

It's not finished yet. I am so interrupted!

[_Glancing at MARGERY who has crept down behind COLONEL._

MARGERY [_whispering in COLONEL'S ear_].

Who kissed Miss Bethune?

[_COLONEL starts guiltily; MARGERY roars._

GERALD [_angrily_].

Margery!

[_MARGERY runs out, L._

LADY WARGRAVE.

Not finished yet!

MRS. SYLVESTER.

But we have made great progress.

LADY WARGRAVE.

And are you satisfied with what you have done?

GERALD.

It is certainly interesting.

LADY WARGRAVE.

It is not enough for me that a work of my nephew's should be interesting! Tell me, as far as you have gone, do you think it is worthy of a Cazenove?

GERALD.

It is the work of my life.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

And of mine!

LADY WARGRAVE.

As far as you have gone. But what is to be the end of it?

GERALD.

Ah, we've not got there yet.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Would you admit a third collaborateur?

MRS. SYLVESTER [_alarmed_].