_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.