The New Woman - LightNovelsOnl.com
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That's the good news.
[_Gives him a card._
GERALD [_with real pleasure_].
Margery!
MARGERY [_pouting_].
You might have guessed!
GERALD.
A card from Lady Wargrave! And addressed to you!
MARGERY.
Asking us to a party at her house.
GERALD.
Don't say a party, Margery!
MARGERY.
Well, isn't it a party?
GERALD.
Call it an At Home.
MARGERY.
Oh, that's another lesson! Never call things by their right names, it's vulgar!
GERALD.
This is an olive-branch, and no mistake! So aunt is thawing at last.
MARGERY.
Stop a bit, Gerald!
GERALD.
Wait a moment, Margery!
MARGERY.
Is that another lesson? Never use one syllable when two will do? Very well, Gerald, I'll remember that. But what do you mean by olive-branch?
GERALD [_looks at her, and sighs again_].
Oh, never mind!
MARGERY.
Yes, tell me. I want to make sure as I go along.
GERALD.
An overture--a sign of reconciliation--like holding out your hand.
MARGERY.
Ah, now I understand! But what a funny thing to call it--olive-branch!
[_Bursts into a peal of laughter._
GERALD [_s.h.i.+vers slightly and goes over to the mantelpiece. Aside_].
It didn't sound like that in Mapledurham! [_Conquering himself, returns to her._] I'm so glad aunt's come round. You don't know how it's worried me--her estrangement.
MARGERY.
They've all come round now. They've all recognized me. Oh, I'm so happy, Gerald! It isn't half as hard to be a lady as I thought!
GERALD [_thoughtfully_].
Of course you'll have to answer this!
MARGERY.
Of course!
GERALD.
Show me the answer when you've written it!
MARGERY.
Oh, I shan't spell it wrong!
GERALD.
No, dear, but----
MARGERY.
