COLONEL.

Why, you know all about it.

GERALD.

Yes, I was staying there when she arrived. I have been rusticating for the last six weeks. It's so much easier to write in the fresh air.

SYLVESTER.

You have been writing down at Mapledurham?

GERALD.

That's what I went for.

COLONEL.

For six weeks?

GERALD.

Six weeks.

COLONEL.

And you have only finished the first chapter?

GERALD.

It's so difficult to write in the fresh air. One wants to go out and enjoy oneself. And then old Armstrong's such a jolly old boy.

SYLVESTER.

Armstrong, of Mapledurham? The farmer? Oh, I know him well. I go there for the fishing.

COLONEL.

Then, do you know Margery?

SYLVESTER.

Margery? No.

GERALD.

How that girl sculls!

COLONEL.

Oh, Margery was rowing?

GERALD.

Do you know, uncle, she can almost beat me?

COLONEL.

But what an arm she has!

GERALD.

And when she feathers?----

[_Pantomime._

COLONEL.

Ah! when she feathers?----

[_Double pantomime._

GERALD.

What a voice, too!

COLONEL.

Hasn't she!

GERALD.

So musical! When she sings out, "Lock, ho!"

COLONEL [_imitating_].

"Lock, ho!"

GERALD.

No, not a bit like that--more silvery!

COLONEL.

Not a bit! more silvery!

BOTH [_pantomiming_].

"Lock, ho!"