The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 37

You think I have been unkind.

AUBREY.

[_Kissing her upon the forehead._] Be very gentle with Paula.

[_He goes out and she stands looking after him, then, as she turns thoughtfully from the door, a rose is thrown through the window and falls at her feet. She picks up the flower wonderingly and goes to the window._

ELLEAN.

[_Starting back._] Hugh!

HUGH ARDALE, _a handsome young man of about seven-and-twenty, with a boyish face and manner, appears outside the window._

HUGH.

Nelly! Nelly dear!

ELLEAN.

What's the matter?

HUGH.

Hus.h.!.+ Nothing. It's only fun. [_Laughing._] Ha, ha, ha! I've found out that Mrs. Cortelyon's meadow runs up to your father's plantation; I've come through a gap in the hedge.

ELLEAN.

Why, Hugh?

HUGH.

I'm miserable at The Warren; it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland. Don't look like that! Upon my word I meant just to peep at your home and go back, but I saw figures moving about here, and came nearer, hoping to get a glimpse of you. Was that your father?

[_Entering the room._

ELLEAN.

Yes.

HUGH.

Isn't this fun! A rabbit ran across my foot while I was hiding behind that old yew.

ELLEAN.

You must go away; it's not right for you to be here like this.

HUGH.

But it's only fun, I tell you. You take everything so seriously. Do wish me good-night.

ELLEAN.

We have said good-night.

HUGH.

In the hall at The Warren before Mrs. Cortelyon and a man-servant.

Oh, it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland!

ELLEAN.

[_Giving him her hand hastily._] Good-night, Hugh.

HUGH.

Is that all? We might be the merest acquaintances.

[_He momentarily embraces her, but she releases herself._

ELLEAN.

It's when you're like this that you make me feel utterly miserable.

[_Throwing the rose from her angrily._] Oh!

HUGH.

I've offended you now, I suppose?

ELLEAN.

Yes.

HUGH.

Forgive me, Nelly. Come into the garden for five minutes; we'll stroll down to the plantation.

ELLEAN.

No, no.

HUGH.

For two minutes--to tell me you forgive me.

ELLEAN.

I forgive you.