[Resumes his writing. A peal of laughter behind the curtains, and Margery’s head reappears, laughing. Gerald throws down his pen.

MARGERY [running in].

Did I startle you?

GERALD.

Not much; I’m getting used to it.

MARGERY.

Well, don’t be cross!

GERALD.

I’m not cross, dear; but these repeated interludes make composition rather difficult.