The New Woman Part 20

I have a clinical lecture----

VICTORIA.

I have an engagement.

GERALD.

One moment, ladies! Stay one moment, aunt! Before you go I want to tell you all of _my_ engagement.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Your engagement, Gerald?

GERALD.

Yes, I am going to be married.

[_Pause._

ENID [_with jealousy_].

To Agnes Syl--? Oh, I forgot; she's married.

LADY WARGRAVE.

To whom?

[_All stand expectantly._

GERALD.

To Margery.

[_All stand transfixed. Exit COLONEL, door in flat._

DOCTOR.

Mr. Cazenove, I offer you my congratulations. Having a clinical lecture to deliver, you will excuse me if I say good afternoon.

ENID.

Wait for me, Doctor. [_Exit DR. MARY, door in flat._] You have my best wishes.

[_Exit, door in flat._

VICTORIA.

And thank you for the plot of my next novel.

[_Exit, door in flat._

LADY WARGRAVE.

Gerald, is this a trick?

GERALD.

No, aunt; it is the truth.

LADY WARGRAVE.

And you, a Cazenove! It is out of the question! I won't permit it! I forbid it, Gerald!

GERALD.

But, my dear aunt, you said only just now----

LADY WARGRAVE.

No matter!

GERALD.

Marry a woman----

LADY WARGRAVE.

Don't repeat my words! A Cazenove marry Margery! Ridiculous!

GERALD.

But, aunt----

LADY WARGRAVE.

Silence! You said just now, you hoped that you would never break my heart. Well, Gerald, you have broken it. A Cazenove!

[_Exit, door in flat. MARGERY takes up the cushion, and is about to follow._

GERALD.

Put that thing down. [_She puts it down._] You are mine now; not hers.

MARGERY.

Yes, Mr. Gerald.

GERALD [_sits, drawing her to him_].