Now you said to-day, at
that iniquitous club, that you were not a womanly woman. Very well: I
don't mind. But if you are not going to behave like a lady when Mrs.
Tranfield comes into this room, you've got to behave like a gentleman;
or fond as I am of you, I'll cut you dead exactly as I would if you
were my son.
PARAMORE (remonstrating). Colonel Craven--
CRAVEN (cutting him short). Don't be a fool, Paramore.
JULIA (tearfully excusing herself). I'm sure, Daddy--
CRAVEN. Stop snivelling. I'm not speaking as your Daddy now: I'm
speaking as your commanding officer.
SYLVIA. Good old Victoria Cross! (Craven turns sharply on her; and she
darts away behind Charteris, and presently seats herself on the couch,
so that she and Charteris are shoulder to shoulder, facing opposite
ways. Cuthbertson arrives with Grace, who remains near the door whilst
her father joins the others.)
CRAVEN. Ah, Jo, here you are. Now, Paramore, tell 'em the news.
PARAMORE. Mrs. Tranfield--Cuthbertson--allow me to introduce you to my
future wife.
CUTHBERTSON (coming forward to shake hands with Paramore). My
heartiest congratulations! (Paramore goes to shake hands with Grace.
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