The Second Mrs. Tanqueray - novelonlinefull.com
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PAULA.
And you call yourself my friend?
DRUMMLE.
[_Good-humouredly._] No, I don't!
PAULA.
Perhaps I'll tie them together and give them to his man in the morning.
DRUMMLE.
That won't avoid an explanation.
PAULA.
[_Recklessly._] Oh, then he must miss them----
DRUMMLE.
And trace them.
PAULA.
[_Throwing herself upon the ottoman._] I don't care!
DRUMMLE.
I know you don't; but let me send him to you now, may I?
PAULA.
Now! What do you think a woman's made of? I couldn't stand it, Cayley. I haven't slept for nights; and last night there was thunder, too! I believe I've got the horrors.
DRUMMLE.
[_Taking the little hand-mirror from the table._] You'll sleep well enough when you deliver those letters. Come, come, Mrs. Aubrey--a good night's rest! [_Holding the mirror before her face._] It's quite time.
[_She looks at herself for a moment, then s.n.a.t.c.hes the mirror from him._
PAULA.
You brute, Cayley, to show me that!
DRUMMLE.
Then--may I? Be guided by a fr--a poor old woman! May I?
PAULA.
You'll kill me, amongst you!
DRUMMLE.
What do you say?
PAULA.
[_After a pause._] Very well. [_He nods his head and goes out rapidly. She looks after him for a moment, and calls "Cayley!
Cayley!" Then she again produces the letters, deliberately, one by one, fingering them with aversion. Suddenly she starts, turning her head towards the door._] Ah!
AUBREY _enters quickly._
AUBREY.
Paula!
PAULA.
[_Handing him the letters, her face averted._] There! [_He examines the letters, puzzled, and looks at her inquiringly._] They are many days old. I stole them, I suppose to make you anxious and unhappy.
[_He looks at the letters again, then lays them aside on the table._
AUBREY.
[_Gently._] Paula, dear, it doesn't matter.
PAULA.
[_After a short pause._] Why--why do you take it like this?
AUBREY.
What did you expect?
PAULA.
Oh, but I suppose silent reproaches are really the severest. And then, naturally, you are itching to open your letters.
[_She crosses the room as if to go._
AUBREY.
Paula! [_She pauses._] Surely, surely it's all over now?
PAULA.
All over! [_Mockingly._.] Has my step-daughter returned then? When did she arrive? I haven't heard of it!
