The New Woman Part 23

That's the good news.

[_Gives him a card._

GERALD [_with real pleasure_].

Margery!

MARGERY [_pouting_].

You might have guessed!

GERALD.

A card from Lady Wargrave! And addressed to you!

MARGERY.

Asking us to a party at her house.

GERALD.

Don't say a party, Margery!

MARGERY.

Well, isn't it a party?

GERALD.

Call it an At Home.

MARGERY.

Oh, that's another lesson! Never call things by their right names, it's vulgar!

GERALD.

This is an olive-branch, and no mistake! So aunt is thawing at last.

MARGERY.

Stop a bit, Gerald!

GERALD.

Wait a moment, Margery!

MARGERY.

Is that another lesson? Never use one syllable when two will do? Very well, Gerald, I'll remember that. But what do you mean by olive-branch?

GERALD [_looks at her, and sighs again_].

Oh, never mind!

MARGERY.

Yes, tell me. I want to make sure as I go along.

GERALD.

An overture--a sign of reconciliation--like holding out your hand.

MARGERY.

Ah, now I understand! But what a funny thing to call it--olive-branch!

[_Bursts into a peal of laughter._

GERALD [_shivers slightly and goes over to the mantelpiece. Aside_].

It didn't sound like that in Mapledurham! [_Conquering himself, returns to her._] I'm so glad aunt's come round. You don't know how it's worried me--her estrangement.

MARGERY.

They've all come round now. They've all recognized me. Oh, I'm so happy, Gerald! It isn't half as hard to be a lady as I thought!

GERALD [_thoughtfully_].

Of course you'll have to answer this!

MARGERY.

Of course!

GERALD.

Show me the answer when you've written it!

MARGERY.

Oh, I shan't spell it wrong!

GERALD.

No, dear, but----

MARGERY.