Volume 152 / Act 2 — ACT II.

Hyde Park, August, 1915.

A dozen energetic supers, by being extremely glad to see one another very many times, are creating the illusion of a gay and fashionable throng. Enter Marmaduke Beltravers with Mary. She is distraite.

M.B. (in full hearing of fashionable throng). Darling, I have waited patiently for you. Say that you will marry me now.

Mary. Marmaduke, you are rich, you are beautiful and you are kind to me in your rather wicked way. But, alas! I cannot forget the noble figure of George—my George. [She sobs.

Enter George Jeffreys, in the uniform of a private.

G.J. Mary!

M.B. (intervening jauntily). Well, my man?

G.J. (his vocabulary strengthened by Army life). You dash blank blighter! You ruddy plague-spot!

Mary (gazing at him with horror). Oh, George, those—clothes—don't—fit! [Sobs heartbrokenly.

M.B. (striking while the iron is hot). Mary, you shall choose between us, here and now.

G.J. (yearningly). Mary, with you to cheer me on I will win the V.C. I swear it. My beloved, come with me; there will be a separation allowance.

Mary (shuddering). Not in those trousers. I—can't. [She swoons in Marmaduke's arms. George raises his fist to strike Marmaduke. Enter Sergeant Tompkins.

Sergt. T. 'Ere, none o' that. Private Jeffreys, 'SHUN! Right—TURN! About—TURN! Left—TURN! Quick—MARCH! [Exit George to win V.C.

CURTAIN.