The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 24

PAULA.

[_Looking round innocently._] Have I said anything awkward? Aubrey, tell Mrs. Cortelyon how stupid and thoughtless I always am!

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ DRUMMLE _who is now standing close to her._] Really, Cayley----! [_He soothes her with a nod and smile and a motion of his finger to his lip._] Mrs. Tanqueray, I am afraid my explanation will not be quite so satisfactory as either of those you have just helped me to. You may have heard--but, if you have heard, you have doubtless forgotten--that twenty years ago, when your husband first lived here, I was a constant visitor at Highercoombe.

PAULA.

Twenty years ago--fancy. I was a naughty little child then.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Possibly. Well, at that time, and till the end of her life, my affections were centred upon the lady of this house.

PAULA.

Were they? That was very sweet of you.

[ELLEAN _approaches_ MRS. CORTELYON, _listening intently to her._

MRS. CORTELYON.

I will say no more on that score, but I must add this: when, two months ago, you came here, I realised, perhaps for the first time, that I was a middle-aged woman, and that it had become impossible for me to accept without some effort a breaking-in upon many tender a.s.sociations. There, Mrs. Tanqueray, that is my confession. Will you try to understand it and pardon me?

PAULA.

[_Watching_ ELLEAN,--_sneeringly._] Ellean dear, you appear to be very interested in Mrs. Cortelyon's reminiscences; I don't think I can do better than make you my mouthpiece--there is such sympathy between us. What do you say--can we bring ourselves to forgive Mrs.

Cortelyon for neglecting us for two weary months?

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ ELLEAN, _pleasantly._] Well, Ellean? [_With a little cry of tenderness_ ELLEAN _impulsively sits beside_ MRS. CORTELYON _and takes her hand._] My dear child!

PAULA.

[_In an undertone to_ AUBREY.] Ellean isn't so very slow in taking to Mrs. Cortelyon!

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ PAULA _and_ AUBREY.] Come, this encourages me to broach my scheme. Mrs. Tanqueray, it strikes me that you two good people are just now excellent company for each other, while Ellean would perhaps be glad of a little peep into the world you are anxious to avoid. Now, I'm going to Paris to-morrow for a week or two before settling down in Chester Square, so--don't gasp, both of you!--if this girl is willing, and you have made no other arrangements for her, will you let her come with me to Paris, and afterwards remain with me in town during the Season? [ELLEAN _utters an exclamation of surprise._ PAULA _is silent._] What do you say?

AUBREY.

Paula--Paula dear. [_Hesitatingly._] My dear Mrs. Cortelyon, this is wonderfully kind of you; I am really at a loss to--eh, Cayley?

DRUMMLE.

[_Watching_ PAULA _apprehensively._] Kind! Now I must say I don't think so! I begged Alice to take _me_ to Paris, and she declined. I am thrown over for Ellean! Ha! ha!

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_Laughing._] What nonsense you talk, Cayley!

[_The laughter dies out._ PAULA _remains quite still._

AUBREY.

Paula dear.

PAULA.

[_Slowly collecting herself._] One moment. I--I don't quite---- [_To_ MRS. CORTELYON.] You propose that Ellean leaves Highercoombe almost at once and remains with you some months?

MRS. CORTELYON.

It would be a mercy to me. You can afford to be generous to a desolate old widow. Come, Mrs. Tanqueray, won't you spare her?

PAULA.

Won't _I_ spare her. [_Suspiciously._] Have you mentioned your plan to Aubrey--before I came in?

MRS. CORTELYON.

No, I had no opportunity.

PAULA.

Nor to Ellean?

MRS. CORTELYON.

Oh, no.

PAULA.

[_Looking about her, in suppressed excitement._] This hasn't been discussed at all, behind my back?

MRS. CORTELYON.

My dear Mrs. Tanqueray!

PAULA.

Ellean, let us hear your voice in the matter!

ELLEAN.

I should like to go with Mrs. Cortelyon--