The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 34

PAULA.

[_To herself._] A few--years ago! [_She walks slowly towards the door, then suddenly drops upon the ottoman in a paroxysm of weeping._] O G.o.d! A few years ago!

AUBREY.

[_Going to her._] Paula!

PAULA.

[_Sobbing._] Oh, don't touch me!

AUBREY.

Paula!

PAULA.

Oh, go away from me! [_He goes back a few steps, and after a little while she becomes calmer and rises unsteadily; then in an altered tone._] Look here----! [_He advances a step; she checks him with a quick gesture._] Look here! Get rid of these people--Mabel and her husband--as soon as possible! I--I've done with them!

AUBREY.

[_In a whisper._] Paula!

PAULA.

And then--then--when the time comes for Ellean to leave Mrs.

Cortelyon, give me--give me another chance! [_He advances again, but she shrinks away._] No, no!

[_She goes out by the door on the right. He sinks on to the settee, covering his eyes with his hands. There is a brief silence, then a_ SERVANT _enters._]

SERVANT.

Mrs. Cortelyon, sir, with Miss Ellean.

[AUBREY _rises to meet_ MRS. CORTELYON, _who enters, followed by_ ELLEAN, _both being in travelling dresses.

The_ SERVANT _withdraws._

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_Shaking hands with_ AUBREY.] Oh, my dear Aubrey!

AUBREY.

Mrs. Cortelyon! [_Kissing_ ELLEAN.] Ellean dear!

ELLEAN.

Papa, is all well at home?

MRS. CORTELYON.

We're shockingly anxious.

AUBREY.

Yes, yes, all's well. This is quite unexpected. [_To_ MRS.

CORTELYON.] You've found Paris insufferably hot?

MRS. CORTELYON.

Insufferably hot! Paris is pleasant enough. We've had no letter from you!

AUBREY.

I wrote to Ellean a week ago.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Without alluding to the subject I had written to you upon.

AUBREY.

[_Thinking._] Ah, of course----

MRS. CORTELYON.

And since then we've both written and you've been absolutely silent.

Oh, it's too bad!

AUBREY.

[_Picking up the letters from the table._] It isn't altogether my fault. Here are the letters----

ELLEAN.

Papa!

MRS. CORTELYON.

They're unopened.

AUBREY.

An accident delayed their reaching me till this evening. I'm afraid this has upset you very much.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Upset me!