Part 26 (1/2)

I'm not Margery now!

SYLVESTER [_seriously_].

I ask Mrs. Cazenove's pardon. [_In a casual tone_] You don't object to the collaboration, then?

MARGERY.

I think it's fun! They are so serious over it. As if the world depended on a book! As if there were no Providence or anything, and they two had to keep creation going by scratching upon little bits of paper! I love to watch them, biting at their pens, and staring at that little crack up there. [_Looking at the ceiling. SYLVESTER looks also._] I often think to myself, you may well look--there's something there that'll keep the world going round, just as it is, long after your precious book is dust and ashes.

SYLVESTER.

Then you do watch them, Margery--Mrs. Cazenove?

MARGERY.

Oh, often, from my room. [_Indicates curtains._] But I can scarcely keep from laughing all the time. Some day I mean to have such fun with them! I mean to steal in here, [_business_] and put my head out, so--and just when they are putting the world right, say Bo!

[_Runs back, and bursts into a peal of laughter. SYLVESTER laughs also._

_Re-enter WELLS, L._

WELLS.

Miss Vivas.h.!.+

[_Exit WELLS, L._

_Enter VICTORIA._

VICTORIA.

Good morning, dear. [_Kisses MARGERY._] What! Captain Sylvester! you here, and Agnes not?

MARGERY.

Mrs. Sylvester is coming!

VICTORIA.

No need to apologize! A wife is just as much ent.i.tled to entertain another woman's husband as a husband to entertain another man's wife.

You're getting on, dear. That's philosophy!

MARGERY.

Gerald is in the next room!

VICTORIA.

Then it's not philosophy!