Caroline’s a heart of gold; but your aunt must be managing! So I let her manage, and I manage her.

MARGERY.

You?

[Smiling.

COLONEL.

But I do it quietly. I influence her, without her knowing it. Sheer force of character. Chut! not a word! [Backing away from her, signalling silence; backs into Lady Wargrave.] Ten thousand pardons!

[Bows profusely.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Really, Theodore!

[Margery goes up, stifling her laughter; he shakes his handkerchief at her.