They're generally first in the field. VICTORIA. If a husband ignores his wife, the wife is entitled to ignore her husband. What would a man do under the same circumstances? SYLVESTER. Is not the question rather, what a man _ought_ to do? VICTORIA. That is Utopian. We must take the world as we find it. SYLVESTER. I'm afraid Mrs. Cazenove won't be an apt pupil. VICTORIA. No spirit--no proper pride. But things can't go on as they're going long. Margery is on the edge of a volcano. I give it six months. SYLVESTER. Is it as bad as that? VICTORIA. Never at home--and when he is--"in the next room." Never takes her anywhere, and I don't wonder at it. Margery is too _gauche_ for anything. But what could be expected, when a man throws himself away in that manner? Bless me, there were other women in the world! SYLVESTER. Oh, plenty, plenty. VICTORIA. Unluckily, he's found that out. [_Aside._] That's one for _him!_ SYLVESTER. Indeed! VICTORIA [_gives him a glance of contempt, and produces a cigarette case_]. Do you mind tobacco? SYLVESTER. Not at all. I like it. _Re-enter MARGERY, R._ If Mrs. Cazenove---- MARGERY. Gerald's so busy, will you please excuse him? VICTORIA. Certainly. Will you join me? [_Offers case._ MARGERY. Thank you, I can't smoke. VICTORIA. Then you should learn at once. [_Puts a cigarette in her mouth._ 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._ MARGERY. Do you like smoking? VICTORIA. No, but I smoke on principle! SYLVESTER. On the wrong principle! VICTORIA. I beg your pardon. Men smoke cigarettes. SYLVESTER. 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._ _Re-enter WELLS, L._ WELLS. Miss Bethune. [_Exit WELLS, L._ _Enter ENID._ ENID. How are you, dear? [_Kisses_ Margery.] Victoria! [_Goes to_ Victoria, who presents her cheek. SYLVESTER [_to MARGERY_]. Now you have company, I'll say good-day. I've waited for my wife quite long enough! MARGERY [_with outstretched hand_]. But you will come and see me again soon? [_ENID and VICTORIA exchange glances._ SYLVESTER [_holding her hand, and in a lower voice_]. Shall you be in to-morrow? MARGERY [_frankly_]. Yes. [_SYLVESTER smiles and presses her hand; she sees her mistake._] If Gerald is. [_ENID and VICTORIA are exchanging whispers._ SYLVESTER [_drops her hand; aside_]. Women are like Bradshaw--a guide and a puzzle! [_Exit, L._ ENID. Does Captain Sylvester often call, my dear? MARGERY. He has done lately. ENID. Quite a change for him! He must occasionally meet his wife! VICTORIA [_who has gone to the mantelpiece for a match_]. Now that that man has gone---- [_Lights another cigarette._ ENID. Victoria! VICTORIA [_offering case to MARGERY_].