Margaret. What?
Gilbert. Or do you prefer that I should speak in paraphrases? Unfortunately I can't find any other expression for your conduct. And it was all so unnecessary—it would have been just as well to be honest with me. There was nothing to be gained by stealing away from Munich in the dead of night.
Margaret. It wasn't the dead of night—I left Munich by the express at 8.30 A. M., in bright sunshine.
Gilbert. Well, anyhow, you might just as well have said good-by, mightn't you? (Sits.)
Margaret. The Baron may come in at any moment.
Gilbert. Well, what if he does? You surely haven't told him that once upon a time you lay in my arms and adored me. I am just an old acquaintance from Munich—and as such I have surely the right to call on you!
Margaret. Any other old acquaintance—not you.
Gilbert. Why? You persist in misunderstanding me. I am really here only as an old acquaintance. Everything else is over—long ago over ... Well, you'll see there. (Points to his book.)
Margaret. What book is that?
Gilbert. My latest novel.