The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 41

Not about me. How long were we----?

PAULA.

I don't remember, exactly.

HUGH.

Do you--do you think it matters?

PAULA.

His--his daughter. [_With a muttered exclamation he turns away and sits with his head in his hands._] What's to be done?

HUGH.

I wish I could think.

PAULA.

Oh! Oh! What happened to that flat of ours in Ethelbert Street?

HUGH.

I let it.

PAULA.

All that pretty furniture?

HUGH.

Sold it.

PAULA.

I came across the key of the escritoire the other day in an old purse! [_Suddenly realising the horror and hopelessness of her position, and starting to her feet with an hysterical cry of rage._]

What am I maundering about?

HUGH.

For G.o.d's sake, be quiet! Do let me think.

PAULA.

This will send me mad! [_Suddenly turning and standing over him._]

You--you beast, to crop up in my life again like this!

HUGH.

I always treated you fairly.

PAULA.

[_Weakly._] Oh! I beg your pardon--I know you did--I----

[_She sinks on to the settee, crying hysterically._

HUGH.

Hush!

PAULA.

She kissed me to-night! I'd won her over! I've had such a fight to make her love me! And now--just as she's beginning to love me, to bring this on her!

HUGH.

Hush, hush! Don't break down!

PAULA.

[_Sobbing._] You don't know! I--I haven't been getting on well in my marriage. It's been my fault. The life I used to lead spoilt me completely. But I'd made up my mind to turn over a new life from to-night. From to-night!

HUGH.

Paula----

PAULA.

Don't you call me that!

HUGH.

Mrs. Tanqueray, there is no cause for you to despair in this way.

It's all right, I tell you--it shall be all right.

PAULA.

[_Shivering._] What are we to do?

HUGH.

Hold our tongues.

PAULA.

Eh?

[_Staring vacantly._