The Second Mrs. Tanqueray Part 44

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Do you hear that? That's _his_ mother, but _my_ mother he won't so much as look at!

SIR GEORGE.

I shall write to Bruton Street firs' thing in the morning.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Mamma has stuck to me through everything--well, you know!

SIR GEORGE.

I'll get ol' Aubrey to figure out a letter. I'll drop line to Uncle Fitz too--dooced shame of the ol' feller to chuck me over in this manner. [_Wiping his eyes._] All my family have chucked me over.

LADY ORREYED.

[_Rising._] Dodo!

SIR GEORGE.

Jus' because I've married beneath me, to be chucked over! Aunt Lydia, the General, Hooky Whitgrave, Lady Sugnall--my own dear sister!--all turn their backs on me. It's more than I can stan'!

LADY ORREYED.

[_Approaching him with dignity._] Sir George, wish Mrs. Tanqueray good-night at once and come upstairs. Do you hear me?

SIR GEORGE.

[_Rising angrily._] Wha'----

LADY ORREYED.

Be quiet!

SIR GEORGE.

You presoom to order me about!

LADY ORREYED.

You're making an exhibition of yourself!

SIR GEORGE.

Look 'ere----!

LADY ORREYED.

Come along, I tell you!

[_He hesitates, utters a few inarticulate sounds, then s.n.a.t.c.hes up a fragile ornament from the table, and is about to dash it on to the ground._ LADY ORREYED _retreats, and_ PAULA _goes to him._

PAULA.

George!

[_He replaces the ornament._

SIR GEORGE.

[_Shaking_ PAULA'S _hand._] Good ni', Mrs. Tanqueray.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Good-night, darling. Wish Aubrey good-night for me.

Now, Dodo?

[_She goes out._

SIR GEORGE.

[_To_ PAULA.] I say, are you goin' to sit up for ol' Aubrey?

PAULA.

Yes.

SIR GEORGE.

Shall I keep you comp'ny?

PAULA.

No, thank you, George.

SIR GEORGE.

Sure?

PAULA.

Yes, sure.

SIR GEORGE.

[_Shaking hands._] Good-night again.

PAULA.