I know what you mean. I might use all short words instead of long ones. [_GERALD laughs._] Don"t be afraid: I"ll pick the longest in the dictionary. [_Kisses him._] Ah, Gerald, dear! short words were good enough for you once!
[_Archly._
GERALD.
I dare say.
MARGERY.
Yes; when you said, "I love you, Margery!" Say it again!
GERALD.
Margery, what nonsense!
MARGERY.
That"s what I like--nonsense. Say it again!
GERALD [_with effort_].
I love you, Margery. [_Sits, and resumes his pen._] Now, let me get on with my work!
MARGERY [_goes L. Aside_]
Somehow it didn"t sound like that in Mapledurham. [_Brightly._] Well, I suppose his head"s full of his book. I wish mine was of mine. Oh, those French verbs! and what"s the use of them? Why isn"t English good enough for England?
_Enter WELLS, L._
WELLS.
Captain Sylvester.
[_GERALD flings down his pen in despair. Exit WELLS, L._
_Enter SYLVESTER._
MARGERY.
Ah, I"m so glad you"ve come! [_Crosses to him._] I wanted somebody to talk to. Gerald"s so busy!
[_Takes SYLVESTER"S hat and stick._
SYLVESTER.
Busy? then I"m afraid I intrude.
GERALD [_resignedly_].
Oh, not at all! [_Sees MARGERY at back, who has put SYLVESTER"S hat on, very much askew, and is marching up and down with the stick under her arm._] Good gracious, Margery!
[_MARGERY laughs. SYLVESTER laughs. GERALD goes up, s.n.a.t.c.hes the hat and stick, and turns to put them down._
MARGERY.
Cross again! [_As GERALD turns again, he finds himself face to face with her, holding her mouth out._] Penalty!
GERALD.
It is for Captain Sylvester to forgive you.
SYLVESTER.
Anything. Mrs. Cazenove can do no wrong. [_Bows. MARGERY curtseys._]
But where"s Agnes? Happening to pa.s.s this way, I thought I might perhaps give her a lift home.
MARGERY.
Oh! Gerald expects Mrs. Sylvester----
GERALD.
Later on, later on!
SYLVESTER.
Then may I wait for her?
GERALD.
Oh, certainly! [_Taking up MSS._] If you"ll excuse me going on with my work. I"ve been a good deal interrupted.
[_Goes to door, R._
SYLVESTER.
By all means, if I may talk to Mrs. Cazenove!
[_GERALD bows stiffly and exit, R., watched by MARGERY, who makes a grimace to audience._
MARGERY.
I believe Gerald"s jealous!
SYLVESTER [_laughing_].
Of _me?_
MARGERY [_laughs_].