SYLVESTER.

Who's Margery?

COLONEL.

Oh, my dear fellow, just your sort--_my_ sort--well, hang it, every man's sort! Margery is--oh, how can I explain? If I'd seen a Margery thirty years ago; well, I should never have been a bachelor! Margery is--come, Gerald, what _is_ Margery? Margery is a woman, who---- Well, Margery's a woman! That's all Margery is!

GERALD.

Old Armstrong's daughter. We grew up together. When I was very young, I was considered delicate, and I was sent to the farmhouse at Mapledurham. When I went to Eton, Lady Wargrave took Margery into her service. There she has remained----

COLONEL.

And she is coming with your aunt to-day.

[_Knock at door in flat. Re-enter WELLS, followed by MRS. SYLVESTER, with a small portfolio._

WELLS.

Mrs. Sylvester!

[_Exit, door in flat._

MRS. SYLVESTER [_stops short on seeing SYLVESTER._].

Jack!

SYLVESTER.

This is an unexpected pleasure. [_A cold matrimonial kiss._] Colonel Cazenove--my old Colonel. Mr. Cazenove I think you know.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Well, of course, Jack! How ridiculous you are! Should I be here if I didn't know Mr. Cazenove?

SYLVESTER.

I haven't the least notion. I only know you wouldn't be at home.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I was in all the morning.

SYLVESTER.

I had business at the Horse Guards. I shall be home to dinner, though.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Oh dear, I wish I had known that. There's only mutton.

SYLVESTER.

The same mutton?

MRS. SYLVESTER.

What do you mean by same?

SYLVESTER.

I mean the mutton I had yesterday.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Did you have mutton yesterday?

SYLVESTER.

No matter; I'll dine at the club.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Thank you, dear.

SYLVESTER.

Good-bye. [_Kiss._] Good-bye, Mr. Cazenove.

COLONEL.

I will come with you. [_To GERALD._] I am due at your aunt's.

GERALD.

But I shall see you again presently?

COLONEL.

If I am visible behind Caroline. Madam, your servant. [_Aside to SYLVESTER._] Cheer up, Sylvester! I'll join you at the club, and we will wind the night up at the Empire.

[_Exit after SYLVESTER, R. of flat._

MRS. SYLVESTER.

That is so like a man! Doesn't say he's coming home, and then expects six courses and a savoury!

GERALD.