The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 42

HUGH.

The chances are a hundred to one against any one ever turning up who knew us when we were together. Besides, no one would be such a brute as to split on us. If anybody did do such a thing we should have to lie! What are we upsetting ourselves like this for, when we've simply got to hold our tongues?

PAULA.

You're as mad as I am!

HUGH.

Can you think of a better plan?

PAULA.

There's only one plan possible--let's come to our senses!--Mr.

Tanqueray must be told.

HUGH.

Your husband! What, and I lose Ellean! I lose Ellean!

PAULA.

You've got to lose her.

HUGH.

I won't lose her! I can't lose her!

PAULA.

Didn't I read of your doing any number of brave things in India?

Why, you seem to be an awful coward!

HUGH.

That's another sort of pluck altogether; I haven't this sort of pluck.

PAULA.

Oh, I don't ask _you_ to tell Mr. Tanqueray. That's my job.

HUGH.

[_Standing over her._] You--you--you'd better! You----!

PAULA.

[_Rising._] Don't bully me! I intend to.

HUGH.

[_Taking hold of her; she wrenches herself free._] Look here, Paula! I never treated you badly--you've owned it. Why should you want to pay me out like this? You don't know how I love Ellean!

PAULA.

Yes, that's just what I _do_ know.

HUGH.

I say you don't! She's as good as my own mother. I've been downright honest with her too. I told her, in Paris, that I'd been a bit wild at one time, and, after a d.a.m.ned wretched day, she promised to forgive me because of what I'd done since in India. She's behaved like an angel to me! Surely I oughtn't to lose her, after all, just because I've been like other fellows! No; I haven't been half as rackety as a hundred men we could think of. Paula, don't pay me out for nothing; be fair to me, there's a good girl--be fair to me!

PAULA.

Oh, I'm not considering you at all! I advise you not to stay here any longer; Mr. Tanqueray is sure to be back soon.

HUGH.

[_Taking up his hat._] What's the understanding between us then?

What have we arranged to do?

PAULA.

I don't know what you're going to do; I've got to tell Mr.

Tanqueray.

HUGH.

By G.o.d, you shall do nothing of the sort!

[_Approaching her fiercely._

PAULA.

You shocking coward!

HUGH.

If you dare! [_Going up to the window._] Mind! If you dare!

PAULA.

[_Following him._] Why, what would you do?

HUGH.

[_After a short pause, sullenly._] Nothing. I'd shoot myself--that's nothing. Good-night.

PAULA.