The New Woman Part 35

LADY WARGRAVE.

Witty?

MARGERY.

At any rate, I make the people laugh. Isn't that being witty? Then _I_ laugh as well, although I don't know what I'm laughing at, I'm sure!

[_Laughs._] Oh, everybody laughs at me--but Gerald. And he's thinking of his book!

 

LADY WARGRAVE.

Do you have many visitors?

MARGERY.

Oh, yes! Miss Vivash--Miss Bethune--Dr. Mary--Mrs. Sylvester--and uncle. They're often coming. As for Mrs. Sylvester, she almost lives here!--oh, and Captain Sylvester, he's taken to calling lately!

LADY WARGRAVE.

In future, dear, you'll have another visitor. I see I have neglected you too long. And you must come and see me. We'll go out together.

MARGERY.

Oh, that _will_ be nice! Then you have _quite_ forgiven me?

LADY WARGRAVE.

But not myself!

MARGERY [_embracing her_].

Oh, why is everyone so good to me?

_Re-enter GERALD, R., followed by COLONEL._

GERALD.

Aunt, this is kind of you! but you were always kind.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Not always. I ought to have paid this visit earlier. I made a mistake, Gerald, and I have come to acknowledge it.

COLONEL [_laying his hand on LADY WARGRAVE'S shoulder in an access of enthusiasm_].

Caroline, you're a trump!

LADY WARGRAVE.

Theodore!

COLONEL.

No other word for it! I always said you'd come round!

LADY WARGRAVE.

Never!

COLONEL.

Always!

LADY WARGRAVE.

Theodore, you _never_ said so!

COLONEL.

To myself.

[_Turns off._

GERALD.

Better late than never, aunt. And thank you for the card for your At Home.

[_Talks to LADY WARGRAVE._

MARGERY.

Oh, uncle, you're a shocking old story, aren't you?

COLONEL.

What have I been saying now?

MARGERY.

You said it was _your_ doing!

COLONEL.

So it was!

MARGERY.

Aunt vows you'd nothing to do with it at all!

COLONEL [_taking MARGERY aside_].