Ah, I remember; I received the document. Tell me, were there many competitors?

GERALD.

A dozen or so.

LADY WARGRAVE.

Is it possible that Oxford can produce eleven worse poems than yours?

GERALD.

My dear aunt!

[Colonel turns aside, chuckling, and finds himself face to face with Margery, laughing; both become suddenly serious.

MRS. SYLVESTER [advancing].

It is a work of genius—none but a true poet——