Ellean.
[Starting back.] Hugh!
Hugh Ardale,a handsome young man of about seven-and-twenty, with a boyish face and manner, appears outside the window.
Hugh Ardale,a handsome young man of about seven-and-twenty, with a boyish face and manner, appears outside the window.
Hugh.
Nelly! Nelly dear!
Ellean.
What's the matter?
Hugh.
Hush! Nothing. It's only fun. [Laughing.] Ha, ha, ha! I've found out that Mrs. Cortelyon's meadow runs up to your father's plantation; I've come through a gap in the hedge.
Ellean.
Why, Hugh?
Hugh.
I'm miserable at The Warren; it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland. Don't look like that! Upon my word I meant just to peep at your home and go back, but I saw figures moving about here, and came nearer, hoping to get a glimpse of you. Was that your father?
[Entering the room.
Ellean.
Yes.
Hugh.
Isn't this fun! A rabbit ran across my foot while I was hiding behind that old yew.
Ellean.
You must go away; it's not right for you to be here like this.
Hugh.
But it's only fun, I tell you. You take everything so seriously. Do wish me good-night.
Ellean.
We have said good-night.
Hugh.
In the hall at The Warren before Mrs. Cortelyon and a man-servant. Oh, it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland!
Ellean.
[Giving him her hand hastily.] Good-night, Hugh.
Hugh.
Is that all? We might be the merest acquaintances.
[He momentarily embraces her, but she releases herself.
Ellean.
It's when you're like this that you make me feel utterly miserable. [Throwing the rose from her angrily.] Oh!
Hugh.
I've offended you now, I suppose?
Ellean.
Yes.
Hugh.
Forgive me, Nelly. Come into the garden for five minutes; we'll stroll down to the plantation.
Ellean.
No, no.
Hugh.
For two minutes—to tell me you forgive me.
Ellean.
I forgive you.
Hugh.
Evidently. I sha'n't sleep a wink to-night after this. What a fool I am! Come down to the plantation. Make it up with me.
Ellean.
There is somebody coming into this room. Do you wish to be seen here?
Hugh.
I shall wait for you behind that yew-tree. You must speak to me. Nelly!
[He disappears.Paulaenters.
Paula.
Ellean!
Ellean.
You—you are very surprised to see me, Paula, of course.
Paula.
Why are you here? Why aren't you with—your friend?
Ellean.
I've come home—if you'll have me. We left Paris this morning; Mrs. Cortelyon brought me back. She was here a minute or two ago; papa has just gone with her to The Warren. He asked me to tell you.
Paula.
There are some people staying with us that I'd rather you didn't meet. It was hardly worth your while to return for a few hours.
Ellean.
A few hours?
Paula.
Well, when do you go to London?
Ellean.
I don't think I go to London, after all.
Paula.
[Eagerly.] You—you've quarrelled with her?
Ellean.
No, no, no, not that; but—Paula! [In an altered tone.] Paula.
Paula.
[Startled.] Eh? [Elleangoes deliberately toPaulaand kisses her.] Ellean!
Ellean.
Kiss me.
Paula.
What—what's come to you?
Ellean.
I want to behave differently to you in the future. Is it too late?
Paula.
Too—late! [Impulsively kissingElleanand crying.] No—no—no! No—no!
Ellean.
Paula, don't cry.
Paula.
[Wiping her eyes] I'm a little shaky; I haven't been sleeping. It's all right,—talk to me.
Ellean.
There is something I want to tell you——
Paula.
Is there—is there?
[They sit together on the ottoman,PaulatakingEllean'shand.
Ellean.
Paula, in our house in the Avenue de Friedland, on the floor below us, there was a Mrs. Brereton. She used to be a friend of my mother's. Mrs. Cortelyon and I spent a great deal of our time with her.
Paula.
[Suspiciously.] Oh! [LettingEllean'shand fall.] Is this lady going to take you up in place of Mrs. Cortelyon?
Ellean.
No, no. Her brother is staying with her—wasstaying with her. Her brother——
[Breaking off in confusion.
Paula.
Well?
Ellean.
[Almost inaudibly.] Paula——
[She rises and walks away,Paulafollowing her.
Paula.
Ellean! [Taking hold of her.] You're not in love!
[Elleanlooks atPaulaappealingly.
Paula.
Oh!Youin love! You! Oh, this is why you've come home! Of course, you can make friends with me now! You'll leave us for good soon, I suppose; so it doesn't much matter being civil to me for a little while!
Ellean.
Oh, Paula!
Paula.
Why, how you have deceived us—all of us! We've taken you for a cold-blooded little saint. The fools you've made of us! Saint Ellean! Saint Ellean!
Ellean.
Ah, I might have known you'd only mock me!
Paula.
[Her tone changing.] Eh?
Ellean.
I—I can't talk to you. [Sitting on the settee.] You do nothing else but mock and sneer, nothing else.
Paula.
Ellean dear! Ellean! I didn't mean it. I'm so horribly jealous, it's a sort of curse on me. [Kneeling besideElleanand embracing her.] My tongue runs away with me. I'm going to alter, I swear I am. I've made some good resolutions, and, as God's above me, I'll keep them! If you are in love, if you do ever marry, that's no reason why we shouldn't be fond of each other. Come, you've kissed me of your own accord—you can't take it back. Now we're friends again, aren't we? Ellean dear! I want to know everything, everything. Ellean dear, Ellean!
Ellean.
Paula, Hugh has done something that makes me very angry. He came with us from Paris to-day, to see papa. He is staying with Mrs. Cortelyon and—I ought to tell you——
Paula.
Yes, yes. What?
Ellean.
He has found his way by The Warren meadowthrough the plantation up to this house. He is waiting to bid me good-night. [Glancing towards the garden.] He is—out there.
Paula.
Oh!
Ellean.
What shall I do?
Paula.
Bring him in to see me! Will you?
Ellean.
No, no.
Paula.
But I'm dying to know him. Oh, yes, you must. I shall meet him before Aubrey does. [Excitedly running her hands over her hair.] I'm so glad. [Elleangoes out by the window.] The mirror—mirror. What a fright I must look! [Not finding the hand-glass on the table, she jumps on to the settee, and surveys herself in the mirror over the mantelpiece, then sits quietly down and waits.] Ellean! Just fancy! Ellean!
After a pauseElleanenters by the window withHugh.
Ellean.
Paula, this is Captain Ardale—Mrs. Tanqueray.
[Paularisen and turns, and she andHughstand staring blankly at each other for a moment or two; thenPaulaadvances and gives him her hand.
Paula.
[In a strange voice, but calmly.] How do you do?
Hugh.
How do you do?
Paula.
[ToEllean.] Mr. Ardale and I have met in London, Ellean. Er—Captain Ardale, now?
Hugh.
Yes.
Ellean.
In London?
Paula.
They say the world's very small, don't they?
Hugh.
Yes.
Paula.
Ellean, dear, I want to have a little talk about you to Mr. Ardale—Captain Ardale—alone. [Putting her arms roundEllean,and leading her to the door.] Come back in a little while. [Elleannods toPaulawith a smile and goes out, whilePaulastands watching her at the open door.]In a little while—in a little—— [Closing the door and then taking a seat facingHugh.] Be quick! Mr. Tanqueray has only gone down to The Warren with Mrs. Cortelyon. What is to be done?
Hugh.
[Blankly.] Done?
Paula.
Done—done. Something must be done.
Hugh.
I understood that Mr. Tanqueray had married a Mrs.—Mrs.——
Paula.
Jarman?
Hugh.
Yes.
Paula.
I'd been going by that name. You didn't follow my doings after we separated.
Hugh.
No.
Paula.
[Sneeringly.] No.
Hugh.
I went out to India.
Paula.
What's to be done?
Hugh.
Damn this chance!
Paula.
Oh, my God!
Hugh.
Your husband doesn't know, does he?
Paula.
That you and I——?
Hugh.
Yes.
Paula.
No. He knows about others.
Hugh.
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 God'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 despairin 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.
Hugh.
The chances are a hundred to one against any one ever turning up who knew us when we were together. Besides, no one would be such a brute as to split on us. If anybody did do such a thing we should have to lie! What are we upsetting ourselves like this for, when we've simply got to hold our tongues?
Paula.
You're as mad as I am!
Hugh.
Can you think of a better plan?
Paula.
There's only one plan possible—let's come to our senses!—Mr. Tanqueray must be told.
Hugh.
Your husband! What, and I lose Ellean! I lose Ellean!
Paula.
You've got to lose her.
Hugh.
I won't lose her! I can't lose her!
Paula.
Didn't I read of your doing any number of brave things in India? Why, you seem to be an awful coward!
Hugh.
That's another sort of pluck altogether; I haven't this sort of pluck.
Paula.
Oh, I don't askyouto tell Mr. Tanqueray. That's my job.
Hugh.
[Standing over her.] You—you—you'd better! You——!
Paula.
[Rising.] Don't bully me! I intend to.
Hugh.
[Taking hold of her; she wrenches herself free.]Look here, Paula! I never treated you badly—you've owned it. Why should you want to pay me out like this? You don't know how I love Ellean!
Paula.
Yes, that's just what Idoknow.
Hugh.
I say you don't! She's as good as my own mother. I've been downright honest with her too. I told her, in Paris, that I'd been a bit wild at one time, and, after a damned wretched day, she promised to forgive me because of what I'd done since in India. She's behaved like an angel to me! Surely I oughtn't to lose her, after all, just because I've been like other fellows! No; I haven't been half as rackety as a hundred men we could think of. Paula, don't pay me out for nothing; be fair to me, there's a good girl—be fair to me!
Paula.
Oh, I'm not considering you at all! I advise you not to stay here any longer; Mr. Tanqueray is sure to be back soon.
Hugh.
[Taking up his hat.] What's the understanding between us then? What have we arranged to do?
Paula.
I don't know what you're going to do; I've got to tell Mr. Tanqueray.
Hugh.
By God, you shall do nothing of the sort!
[Approaching her fiercely.
Paula.
You shocking coward!
Hugh.
If you dare! [Going up to the window.] Mind! If you dare!
Paula.
[Following him.] Why, what would you do?
Hugh.
[After a short pause, sullenly.] Nothing. I'd shoot myself—that's nothing. Good-night.
Paula.
Good-night.
[He disappears. She walks unsteadily to the ottoman, and sits; and as she does so her hand falls upon the little silver mirror, which she takes up, staring at her own reflection.
The Drawing room at "Highercoombe," the same evening.Paulais still seated on the ottoman, looking vacantly before her, with the little mirror in her hand.Lady Orreyedenters.
The Drawing room at "Highercoombe," the same evening.
Paulais still seated on the ottoman, looking vacantly before her, with the little mirror in her hand.Lady Orreyedenters.
Lady Orreyed.
There you are! You never came into the billiard-room. Isn't it maddening—Cayley Drummle gives me sixty out of a hundred and beats me. I must be out of form, because I know I play remarkably well for a lady. Only last month—— [Paularises.] Whatever is the matter with you, old girl?
Paula.
Why?
Lady Orreyed.
[Staring.] It's the light, I suppose. [Paulareplaces the mirror on the table.] By Aubrey's boltingfrom the billiard-table in that fashion I thought perhaps——
Paula.
Yes; it's all right.
Lady Orreyed.
You've patched it up? [Paulanods.] Oh, I am jolly glad——! I mean——
Paula.
Yes, I know what you mean. Thanks, Mabel.
Lady Orreyed.
[KissingPaula.] Now take my advice; for the future——
Paula.
Mabel, if I've been disagreeable to you while you've been staying here, I—I beg your pardon.
[Walking away and sitting down.
Lady Orreyed.
You disagreeable, my dear? I haven't noticed it. Dodo and me both consider you make a first-class hostess, but then you've had such practice, haven't you? [Dropping on to the ottoman and gaping.] Oh, talk about being sleepy——!
Paula.
Why don't you——!
Lady Orreyed.
Why, dear, I must hang about for Dodo. You may as well know it; he's in one of his moods.
Paula.
[Under her breath.] Oh——!
Lady Orreyed.
Now, it's not his fault; it was deadly dull for him while we were playing billiards. Cayley Drummle did ask him to mark, but I stopped that; it's so easy to make a gentleman look like a billiard-marker. This is just how it always is; if poor old Dodo has nothing to do, he loses count, as you may say.
Paula.
Hark!
Sir George Orreyedenters, walking slowly and deliberately; he looks pale and watery-eyed.
Sir George Orreyedenters, walking slowly and deliberately; he looks pale and watery-eyed.
Sir George.
[With mournful indistinctness.] I'm 'fraid we've lef' you a grea' deal to yourself to-night, Mrs. Tanqueray. Attra'tions of billiards. I apol'gise. I say, where's ol' Aubrey?
Paula.
My husband has been obliged to go out to a neighbour's house.
Sir George.
I want his advice on a rather pressing matter connected with my family—my family. [Sitting.] To-morrow will do just as well.
Lady Orreyed.
[ToPaula.] This is the mood I hate so—drivelling about his precious family.
Sir George.
The fact is, Mrs. Tanqueray, I am not easy in my min' 'bout the way I am treatin' my poor ol' mother.
Lady Orreyed.
[ToPaula.] Do you hear that? That'shismother, butmymother he won't so much as look at!
Sir George.
I shall write to Bruton Street firs' thing in the morning.
Lady Orreyed.
[ToPaula.] 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' fellerto 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 snatches up a fragile ornament from the table, and is about to dash it on to the ground.Lady Orreyedretreats, andPaulagoes to him.
Paula.
George!
[He replaces the ornament.
Sir George.
[ShakingPaula'shand.] Good ni', Mrs. Tanqueray.
Lady Orreyed.
[ToPaula.] Good-night, darling. Wish Aubrey good-night for me. Now, Dodo?
[She goes out.
Sir George.
[ToPaula.] 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.
Good-night.
[She turns away. He goes out, steadying himself carefully. Drummle appears outside the window, smoking.
Drummle.
[Looking into the room, and seeingPaula.] My last cigar. Where's Aubrey?
Paula.
Gone down to The Warren, to see Mrs. Cortelyon home.
Drummle.
[Entering the room.] Eh? Did you say Mrs. Cortelyon?
Paula.
Yes. She has brought Ellean back.
Drummle.
Bless my soul! Why?
Paula.
I—I'm too tired to tell you, Cayley. If you stroll along the lane you'll meet Aubrey. Get the news from him.
Drummle.
[Going up to the window.] Yes, yes. [Returning toPaula.] I don't want to bother you, only—the anxious old woman, you know. Are you and Aubrey——?
Paula.
Good friends again?
Drummle.
[Nodding.] Um.
Paula.
[Giving him her hand.] Quite, Cayley, quite.
Drummle.
[Retaining her hand.] That's capital. As I'm off so early to-morrow morning, let me say now—thank you for your hospitality.
[He bends over her hand gallantly, then goes out by the window.
Paula.
[To herself.] "Are you and Aubrey——?" "Good friends again?" "Yes." "Quite, Cayley, quite."
[There is a brief pause, thenAubreyenters hurriedly, wearing a light overcoat and carrying a cap.
Aubrey.
Paula dear! Have you seen Ellean?
Paula.
I found her here when I came down.
Aubrey.
She—she's told you?
Paula.
Yes, Aubrey.
Aubrey.
It's extraordinary, isn't it! Not that somebody should fall in love with Ellean or that Ellean herself should fall in love. All that's natural enough and was bound to happen, I suppose, sooner or later. But this young fellow! You know his history?
Paula.
His history?
Aubrey.
You remember the papers were full of his name a few months ago?
Paula.
Oh, yes.
Aubrey.
The man's as brave as a lion, there's no doubt about that; and, at the same time, he's like a big good-natured schoolboy, Mrs. Cortelyon says. Have you ever pictured the kind of man Ellean would marry some day?
Paula.
I can't say that I have.
Aubrey.
A grave, sedate fellow I've thought about—hah! She has fallen in love with the way in which Ardale practically laid down his life to save those poor people shut up in the Residency. [Taking off his coat.] Well, I suppose if a man can do that sort of thing, one ought to be content. And yet—— [Throwing his coat on the settee.] I should have met him to-night, but he'd gone out. Paula dear, tell me how you look upon this business.
Paula.
Yes, I will—I must. To begin with, I—I've seen Mr. Ardale.
Aubrey.
Captain Ardale?
Paula.
Captain Ardale.
Aubrey.
Seen him?
Paula.
While you were away he came up here, through our grounds, to try to get a word with Ellean. I made her fetch him in and present him to me.
Aubrey.
[Frowning.] Doesn't Captain Ardale know there's a lodge and a front door to this place? Never mind! What is your impression of him?
Paula.
Aubrey, do you recollect my bringing you a letter—a letter giving you an account of myself—to the Albany late one night—the night before we got married?
Aubrey.
A letter?
Paula.
You burnt it; don't you know?
Aubrey.
Yes; I know.
Paula.
His name was in that letter.
Aubrey.
[Going back from her slowly, and staring at her.] I don't understand.
Paula.
Well—Ardale and I once kept house together. [He remains silent, not moving.] Why don't you strike me? Hit me in the face—I'd rather you did! Hurt me! hurt me!
Aubrey.
[After a pause.] What did you—and this man—say to each other—just now?
Paula.
I—hardly—know.
Aubrey.
Think!
Paula.
The end of it all was that I—I told him I must inform you of—what had happened ... he didn't want me to do that ... I declared that I would ... he dared me to. [Breaking down.] Let me alone!—oh!
Aubrey.
Where was my daughter while this went on?
Paula.
I—I had sent her out of the room ... that is all right.
Aubrey.
Yes, yes—yes, yes.
[He turns his head towards the door.
Paula.
Who's that?
AServantenters with a letter.
Servant.
The coachman has just run up with this from The Warren, sir. [Aubreytakes the letter.] It's for Mrs. Tanqueray, sir; there's no answer.
[TheServantwithdraws.Aubreygoes toPaulaand drops the letter into her lap; she opens it with uncertain hands.
Paula.
[Reading it to herself.] It's from—him. He's going away—or gone—I think. [Rising in a weak way.] What does it say? I never could make out his writing.
[She gives the letter toAubreyand stands near him, looking at the letter over his shoulder as he reads.
Aubrey.
[Reading.] "I shall be in Paris by to-morrow evening. Shall wait there, at Meurice's, for a week, ready to receive any communication you or your husband may address to me. Please invent some explanation to Ellean. Mrs. Tanqueray, for God's sake, do what you can for me."
[PaulaandAubreyspeak in low voices, both still looking at the letter.
Paula.
Has he left The Warren, I wonder, already?
Aubrey.
That doesn't matter.
Paula.
No, but I can picture him going quietly off. Very likely he's walking on to Bridgeford or Cottering to-night, to get the first train in the morning. A pleasant stroll for him.
Aubrey.
We'll reckon he's gone, that's enough.
Paula.
That isn't to be answered in any way?
Aubrey.
Silence will answer that.
Paula.
He'll soon recover his spirits, I know.
Aubrey.
You know. [Offering her the letter.] You don't want this, I suppose?
Paula.
No.
Aubrey.
It's done with—done with.
[He tears the letter into small pieces. She has dropped the envelope; she searches for it, finds it, and gives it to him.
Paula.
Here!
Aubrey.
[Looking at the remnants of the letter.] This is no good; I must burn it.
Paula.
Burn it in your room.
Aubrey.
Yes.
Paula.
Put it in your pocket for now.
Aubrey.
Yes.
[He does so.Elleanenters and they both turn, guiltily, and stare at her.
Ellean.
[After a short silence, wonderingly.] Papa——
Aubrey.
What do you want, Ellean?
Ellean.
I heard from Willis that you had come in; I only want to wish you good-night. [Paulasteals away, without looking back.] What's the matter? Ah! Of course, Paula has told you about Captain Ardale?
Aubrey.
Well?
Ellean.
Have you and he met?
Aubrey.
No.
Ellean.
You are angry with him; so was I. But to-morrow when he calls and expresses his regret—to-morrow——
Aubrey.
Ellean—Ellean!
Ellean.
Yes, papa?
Aubrey.
I—I can't let you see this man again. [He walks away from her in a paroxysm of distress, then, after a moment or two, he returns to her and takes her to his arms.] Ellean! my child!
Ellean.
[Releasing herself.] What has happened, papa? What is it?
Aubrey.
[Thinking out his words deliberately.] Something has occurred, something has come to my knowledge, in relation to Captain Ardale, which puts any further acquaintanceship between you two out of the question.
Ellean.
Any further acquaintanceship ... out of the question?
Aubrey.
Yes.
[Advancing to her quickly, but she shrinks from him.
Ellean.
No, no—I am quite well. [After a short pause.]It's not an hour ago since Mrs. Cortelyon left you and me together here; you had nothing to urge against Captain Ardale then.
Aubrey.
No.
Ellean.
You don't know each other; you haven't even seen him this evening. Father!
Aubrey.
I have told you he and I have not met.
Ellean.
Mrs. Cortelyon couldn't have spoken against him to you just now. No, no, no; she's too good a friend to both of us. Aren't you going to give me some explanation? You can't take this position towards me—towards Captain Ardale—without affording me the fullest explanation.
Aubrey.
Ellean, there are circumstances connected with Captain Ardale's career which you had better remain ignorant of. It must be sufficient for you that I consider these circumstances render him unfit to be your husband.
Ellean.
Father!
Aubrey.
You must trust me, Ellean; you must try to understand the depth of my love for you and the—the agony it gives me to hurt you. You must trust me.
Ellean.
I will, father; but you must trust me a little too. Circumstances connected with Captain Ardale's career?
Aubrey.
Yes.
Ellean.
When he presents himself here to-morrow of course you will see him and let him defend himself?
Aubrey.
Captain Ardale will not be here to-morrow.
Ellean.
Not! You have stopped his coming here?
Aubrey.
Indirectly—yes.
Ellean.
But just now he was talking to me at that window! Nothing had taken place then! And since then nothing can have——! Oh! Why—you have heard something against him from Paula.
Aubrey.
From—Paula!
Ellean.
She knows him.
Aubrey.
She has told you so?
Ellean.
When I introduced Captain Ardale to her she said she had met him in London. Of course! It is Paula who has done this!
Aubrey.
[In a hard voice.] I—I hope you—you'll refrain from rushing at conclusions. There's nothing to be gained by trying to avoid the main point, which is that you must drive Captain Ardale out of your thoughts. Understand that! You're able to obtain comfort from your religion, aren't you? I'm glad to think that's so. I talk to you in a harsh way, Ellean, but I feel your pain almost as acutely as you do. [Going to the door.] I—I can't say anything more to you to-night.
Ellean.
Father! [He pauses at the door.] Father, I'm obliged to ask you this; there's no help for it—I've no mother to go to. Does what you have heardabout Captain Ardale concern the time when he led a wild, a dissolute life in London?
Aubrey.
[Returning to her slowly and staring at her.] Explain yourself!
Ellean.
He has been quite honest with me. One day—in Paris—he confessed to me—what a man's life is—what his life had been.
Aubrey.
[Under his breath.] Oh!
Ellean.
He offered to go away, not to approach me again.
Aubrey.
And you—you accepted his view of what a man's life is!
Ellean.
As far asIcould forgive him, I forgave him.
Aubrey.
[With a groan.] Why, when was it you left us? It hasn't taken you long to get your robe "just a little dusty at the hem!"
Ellean.
What do you mean?
Aubrey.
Hah! A few weeks ago my one great desire was to keep you ignorant of evil.
Ellean.
Father, it is impossible to be ignorant of evil. Instinct, common instinct, teaches us what is good and bad. Surely I am none the worse for knowing what is wicked and detesting it!
Aubrey.
Detesting it! Why, you love this fellow!
Ellean.
Ah, you don't understand! I have simply judged Captain Ardale as we all pray to be judged. I have lived in imagination through that one week in India when he deliberately offered his life back to God to save those wretched, desperate people. In his whole career I see now nothing but that one week; those few hours bring him nearer the Saints, I believe, than fifty uneventful years of mere blamelessness would have done! And so, father, if Paula has reported anything to Captain Ardale's discredit——
Aubrey.
Paula——!
Ellean.
It must be Paula; it can't be anybody else.
Aubrey.
You—you'll please keep Paula out of the question. Finally, Ellean, understand me—I have made up my mind.
[Again going to the door.
Ellean.
But wait—listen! I have made up my mind also.
Aubrey.
Ah! I recognise your mother in you now!
Ellean.
You need not speak against my mother because you are angry with me!
Aubrey.
I—I hardly know what I'm saying to you. In the morning—in the morning——
[He goes out. She remains standing, and turns her head to listen. Then, after a moment's hesitation she goes softly to the window, and looks out under the verandah.
Ellean.
[In a whisper.] Paula! Paula!
[Paulaappears outside the window and steps into the room; her face is white and drawn, her hair is a little disordered.
Paula.
[Huskily.] Well?
Ellean.
Have you been under the verandah all the while—listening?
Paula.
N—no.
Ellean.
Youhaveoverheard us—I see you have. And itisyou who have been speaking to my father against Captain Ardale. Isn't it? Paula, why don't you own it or deny it?
Paula.
Oh, I—I don't mind owning it; why should I?
Ellean.
Ah! You seem to have been very very eager to tell your tale.
Paula.
No, I wasn't eager, Ellean. I'd have given something not to have had to do it. I wasn't eager.
Ellean.
Not! Oh, I think you might safely have spared us all for a little while.
Paula.
But, Ellean, you forget I—I am your step-mother. It was my—my duty—to tell your father what I—what I knew——
Ellean.
What you knew! Why, after all, what can you know! You can only speak from gossip, report, hearsay! How is it possible that you——! [She stops abruptly. The two women stand staring at each other for a moment; thenElleanbacks away fromPaulaslowly.] Paula!
Paula.
What—what's the matter?
Ellean.
You—you knew Captain Ardale in London!
Paula.
Why—what do you mean?
Ellean.
Oh!
[She makes for the door, butPaulacatches her by the wrist.
Paula.
You shall tell me what you mean!
Ellean.
Ah! [Suddenly looking fixedly inPaula'sface.] You know what I mean.
Paula.
You accuse me!
Ellean.
It's in your face!
Paula.
[Hoarsely.] You—you think I'm—that sort of creature, do you?
Ellean.
Let me go!
Paula.
Answer me! You've always hated me! [Shaking her.] Out with it!
Ellean.
You hurt me!
Paula.
You've always hated me! You shall answer me!
Ellean.
Well, then, I have always—always——
Paula.
What?
Ellean.
I have always known what you were!
Paula.
Ah! Who—who told you?
Ellean.
Nobody but yourself. From the first moment I saw you I knew you were altogether unlike the good women I'd left; directly I saw you I knew what my father had done. You've wondered why I've turned from you! There—that's the reason! Oh, but this is a horrible way for the truth to come home to every one! Oh!