Unluckily, he's found that out. [_Aside._] That's one for _him!_
VICTORIA [_gives him a glance of contempt, and produces a cigarette case_].
Gerald's so busy, will you please excuse him?
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._
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._
How are you, dear? [_Kisses_ Margery.] Victoria!
[_Goes to_ Victoria, who presents her cheek.
Now you have company, I'll say good-day. I've waited for my wife quite long enough!
SYLVESTER [_holding her hand, and in a lower voice_].
Yes. [_SYLVESTER smiles and presses her hand; she sees her mistake._] If Gerald is.
[_ENID and VICTORIA are exchanging whispers._
Women are like Bradshaw--a guide and a puzzle!
Does Captain Sylvester often call, my dear?
Quite a change for him! He must occasionally meet his wife!
VICTORIA [_who has gone to the mantelpiece for a match_].
[_Lights hers from VICTORIA'S, VICTORIA putting the case on the table._
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!
[_All three sit and puff vigorously. MARGERY perched on table._
_Before_ marriage. Would that were _all_ they did. [_Mysteriously._] Has he told you everything?
VICTORIA [_with curiosity, putting down cigarette_].
Margery! [_rises_] it's such women as you on whom men prey!
And it's such men as him that women marry!
When they get the chance! [_Grimace at audience._
[_ENID hides her cigarette behind her back; MARGERY flings hers away, jumps down and runs to meet him. Exit WELLS, L._
[_Flings her arms round his neck, and gives him three smacking kisses. COLONEL smiles all over his face. ENID and VICTORIA exchange shrugs._
Bless me! what a smell of tobacco! [_Looks about, sniffing, sees VICTORIA._] Ah, the foolish--beg pardon!--Miss Vivash! [_Bow._] Dear me, something burning!