The Second Mrs. Tanqueray - novelonlinefull.com
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PAULA.
[_To herself._] A few--years ago! [_She walks slowly towards the door, then suddenly drops upon the ottoman in a paroxysm of weeping._] O G.o.d! A few years ago!
AUBREY.
[_Going to her._] Paula!
PAULA.
[_Sobbing._] Oh, don't touch me!
AUBREY.
Paula!
PAULA.
Oh, go away from me! [_He goes back a few steps, and after a little while she becomes calmer and rises unsteadily; then in an altered tone._] Look here----! [_He advances a step; she checks him with a quick gesture._] Look here! Get rid of these people--Mabel and her husband--as soon as possible! I--I've done with them!
AUBREY.
[_In a whisper._] Paula!
PAULA.
And then--then--when the time comes for Ellean to leave Mrs.
Cortelyon, give me--give me another chance! [_He advances again, but she shrinks away._] No, no!
[_She goes out by the door on the right. He sinks on to the settee, covering his eyes with his hands. There is a brief silence, then a_ SERVANT _enters._]
SERVANT.
Mrs. Cortelyon, sir, with Miss Ellean.
[AUBREY _rises to meet_ MRS. CORTELYON, _who enters, followed by_ ELLEAN, _both being in travelling dresses.
The_ SERVANT _withdraws._
MRS. CORTELYON.
[_Shaking hands with_ AUBREY.] Oh, my dear Aubrey!
AUBREY.
Mrs. Cortelyon! [_Kissing_ ELLEAN.] Ellean dear!
ELLEAN.
Papa, is all well at home?
MRS. CORTELYON.
We're shockingly anxious.
AUBREY.
Yes, yes, all's well. This is quite unexpected. [_To_ MRS.
CORTELYON.] You've found Paris insufferably hot?
MRS. CORTELYON.
Insufferably hot! Paris is pleasant enough. We've had no letter from you!
AUBREY.
I wrote to Ellean a week ago.
MRS. CORTELYON.
Without alluding to the subject I had written to you upon.
AUBREY.
[_Thinking._] Ah, of course----
MRS. CORTELYON.
And since then we've both written and you've been absolutely silent.
Oh, it's too bad!
AUBREY.
[_Picking up the letters from the table._] It isn't altogether my fault. Here are the letters----
ELLEAN.
Papa!
MRS. CORTELYON.
They're unopened.
AUBREY.
An accident delayed their reaching me till this evening. I'm afraid this has upset you very much.
MRS. CORTELYON.
Upset me!
