The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 47

[_Reading it to herself._] It's from--him. He's going away--or gone--I think. [_Rising in a weak way._] What does it say? I never could make out his writing.

[_She gives the letter to_ AUBREY _and stands near him, looking at the letter over his shoulder as he reads._

AUBREY.

[_Reading._] "I shall be in Paris by to-morrow evening. Shall wait there, at Meurice's, for a week, ready to receive any communication you or your husband may address to me. Please invent some explanation to Ellean. Mrs. Tanqueray, for G.o.d's sake, do what you can for me."

[PAULA _and_ AUBREY _speak in low voices, both still looking at the letter._

PAULA.

Has he left The Warren, I wonder, already?

AUBREY.

That doesn't matter.

PAULA.

No, but I can picture him going quietly off. Very likely he's walking on to Bridgeford or Cottering to-night, to get the first train in the morning. A pleasant stroll for him.

AUBREY.

We'll reckon he's gone, that's enough.

PAULA.

That isn't to be answered in any way?

AUBREY.

Silence will answer that.

PAULA.

He'll soon recover his spirits, I know.

AUBREY.

You know. [_Offering her the letter._] You don't want this, I suppose?

PAULA.

No.

AUBREY.

It's done with--done with.

[_He tears the letter into small pieces. She has dropped the envelope; she searches for it, finds it, and gives it to him._

PAULA.

Here!

AUBREY.

[_Looking at the remnants of the letter._] This is no good; I must burn it.

PAULA.

Burn it in your room.

AUBREY.

Yes.

PAULA.

Put it in your pocket for now.

AUBREY.

Yes.

[_He does so._ ELLEAN _enters and they both turn, guiltily, and stare at her._

ELLEAN.

[_After a short silence, wonderingly._] Papa----

AUBREY.

What do you want, Ellean?

ELLEAN.

I heard from Willis that you had come in; I only want to wish you good-night. [PAULA _steals away, without looking back._] What's the matter? Ah! Of course, Paula has told you about Captain Ardale?

AUBREY.

Well?

ELLEAN.

Have you and he met?

AUBREY.