The New Woman Part 27

SYLVESTER.

I'm afraid Mrs. Cazenove won't be an apt pupil.

VICTORIA.

No spirit--no proper pride. But things can't go on as they're going long. Margery is on the edge of a volcano. I give it six months.

SYLVESTER.

Is it as bad as that?

VICTORIA.

Never at home--and when he is--"in the next room." Never takes her anywhere, and I don't wonder at it. Margery is too _gauche_ for anything. But what could be expected, when a man throws himself away in that manner? Bless me, there were other women in the world!

SYLVESTER.

Oh, plenty, plenty.

VICTORIA.

Unluckily, he's found that out. [_Aside._] That's one for _him!_

SYLVESTER.

Indeed!

VICTORIA [_gives him a glance of contempt, and produces a cigarette case_].

Do you mind tobacco?

SYLVESTER.

Not at all. I like it.

_Re-enter MARGERY, R._

If Mrs. Cazenove----

MARGERY.

Gerald's so busy, will you please excuse him?

VICTORIA.

Certainly. Will you join me?

[_Offers case._

MARGERY.

Thank you, I can't smoke.

VICTORIA.

Then you should learn at once.

[_Puts a cigarette in her mouth._

Could you oblige me with a light? [_SYLVESTER strikes a match._]

Thanks.

[_Lights up at the wrong end of a gold-tipped cigarette. MARGERY stands, arms akimbo, surveying her._

MARGERY.

Do you like smoking?

VICTORIA.

No, but I smoke on principle!

SYLVESTER.

On the wrong principle!

VICTORIA.

I beg your pardon. Men smoke cigarettes.

SYLVESTER.

Yes, but they light them at the other end.

[_VICTORIA takes the cigarette out of her mouth and looks at it.

MARGERY and SYLVESTER burst out laughing. She throws it away viciously._

_Re-enter WELLS, L._

WELLS.

Miss Bethune.

[_Exit WELLS, L._

_Enter ENID._

ENID.