Part 18 (1/2)

I don't wish that, Ellean.

ELLEAN.

I will offer to go down to the village with Paula this morning--shall I?

AUBREY.

[_Touching her hand gently._] Thank you--do.

ELLEAN.

When I've looked after Rover, I'll come back to her.

[_She goes out;_ PAULA _ceases playing, and turns on the music-stool looking at_ AUBREY.

PAULA.

Well, have you and Ellean had your little confidence?

AUBREY.

Confidence?

PAULA.

Do you think I couldn't feel it, like a pain between my shoulders?

AUBREY.

Ellean is coming back in a few minutes to be with you. [_Bending over her._] Paula, Paula dear, is this how you keep your promise?

PAULA.

Oh! [_Rising impatiently and crossing swiftly to the settee, where she sits, moving restlessly._] I _can't_ keep my promise; I _am_ jealous; it won't be smothered. I see you looking at her, watching her; your voice drops when you speak to her. I know how fond you are of that girl, Aubrey.

AUBREY.

What would you have? I've no other home for her. She is my daughter.

PAULA.

She is your saint. Saint Ellean!

AUBREY.

You have often told me how good and sweet you think her.

PAULA.

Good!--yes! Do you imagine _that_ makes me less jealous? [_Going to him and clinging to his arm._] Aubrey, there are two sorts of affection--the love for a woman you respect, and the love for a woman you--love. She gets the first from you: I never can.