The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 26

[_Hesitatingly, to_ PAULA.] Good-bye, Mrs. Tanqueray.

[PAULA _inclines her head with the slightest possible movement, then resumes her former position._ ELLEAN _comes from the hall and takes_ MRS. CORTELYON _out of the room. After a brief silence,_ PAULA _turns with a fierce cry, and hurriedly takes off her coat and hat, and tosses them upon the settee._

PAULA.

Oh! Oh! Oh! [_She drops into the chair as_ AUBREY _returns; he stands looking at her._] Who's that?

AUBREY.

I. You have altered your mind about going out?

PAULA.

Yes. Please to ring the bell.

AUBREY.

[_Touching the bell._] You are angry about Mrs. Cortelyon and Ellean. Let me try to explain my reasons----

PAULA.

Be careful what you say to me just now! I have never felt like this--except once--in my life. Be careful what you say to me!

_A_ SERVANT _enters._

PAULA.

[_Rising._] Is Watts at the door with the cart?

SERVANT.

Yes, ma'am.

PAULA.

Tell him to drive down to the post-office directly, with this.

[_Picking up the letter which has been lying upon the table._

AUBREY.

With that?

PAULA.

Yes. My letter to Lady Orreyed.

[_Giving the letter to the_ SERVANT, _who goes out._

AUBREY.

Surely you don't wish me to countermand any order of yours to a servant? Call the man back--take the letter from him!

PAULA.

I have not the slightest intention of doing so.

AUBREY.

I must, then. [_Going to the door. She s.n.a.t.c.hes up her hat and coat and follows him._] What are you going to do?

PAULA.

If you stop that letter, walk out of the house.

[_He hesitates, then leaves the door._

AUBREY.

I am right in believing that to be the letter inviting George Orreyed and his wife to stay here, am I not?

PAULA.

Oh yes--quite right.

AUBREY.

Let it go; I'll write to him by-and-by.

PAULA.

[_Facing him._] You dare!

AUBREY.

Hush, Paula!

PAULA.

Insult me again and, upon my word, I'll go straight out of the house!

AUBREY.

Insult you?

PAULA.

Insult me! What else is it? My G.o.d! what else is it? What do you mean by taking Ellean from me?