The New Woman Part 28

How are you, dear? [_Kisses_ Margery.] Victoria!

[_Goes to_ Victoria, who presents her cheek.

SYLVESTER [_to MARGERY_].

Now you have company, I'll say good-day. I've waited for my wife quite long enough!

MARGERY [_with outstretched hand_].

But you will come and see me again soon?

[_ENID and VICTORIA exchange glances._

SYLVESTER [_holding her hand, and in a lower voice_].

Shall you be in to-morrow?

MARGERY [_frankly_].

Yes. [_SYLVESTER smiles and presses her hand; she sees her mistake._]

If Gerald is.

[_ENID and VICTORIA are exchanging whispers._

SYLVESTER [_drops her hand; aside_].

Women are like Bradshaw--a guide and a puzzle!

[_Exit, L._

ENID.

Does Captain Sylvester often call, my dear?

MARGERY.

He has done lately.

ENID.

Quite a change for him! He must occasionally meet his wife!

VICTORIA [_who has gone to the mantelpiece for a match_].

Now that that man has gone----

[_Lights another cigarette._

ENID.

Victoria!

VICTORIA [_offering case to MARGERY_].

Can't I prevail on you?

MARGERY [_takes one_].

Well, I don't mind trying.

[_Lights hers from VICTORIA'S, VICTORIA putting the case on the table._

ENID.

How _can_ you, Margery? I call it shocking! To take a nasty, evil-smelling thing like this [_taking a cigarette out of VICTORIA'S case_]--and put it to your lips--brrh! [_Shudders, but puts it in her mouth. MARGERY presses her burning cigarette against it till it is alight._] Don't, Margery, don't! I call it horrid--most unladylike!

MARGERY.

Now puff!

[_All three sit and puff vigorously. MARGERY perched on table._

VICTORIA.

Well, dear, and how are you getting on?

MARGERY.

Oh, famously!

ENID.

I hope you've taken my advice to heart!

VICTORIA.

And mine! Have you a latch-key yet?

MARGERY.

Oh, yes!

ENID.

Margery, you shock me!

MARGERY.