Part 19 (1/2)

AUBREY.

Ah, thank you, dearest! [_Laughing._] Why, good gracious!--ha, ha!--just imagine ”Saint Ellean” and that woman side by side!

PAULA.

[_Going back with a cry._] Ah!

AUBREY.

What?

PAULA.

[_Pa.s.sionately._] It's Ellean you're considering, not me? It's all Ellean with you! Ellean! Ellean!

ELLEAN _re-enters._

ELLEAN.

Did you call me, Paula? [_Clenching his hands,_ AUBREY _turns away and goes out._] Is papa angry?

PAULA.

I drive him distracted sometimes. There, I confess it!

ELLEAN.

Do you? Oh, why do you?

PAULA.

Because I--because I'm jealous.

ELLEAN.

Jealous?

PAULA.

Yes--of you. [ELLEAN _is silent._] Well, what do you think of that?

ELLEAN.

I knew it; I've seen it. It hurts me dreadfully. What do you wish me to do? Go away?

PAULA.

Leave us! [_Beckoning her with a motion of the head._] Look here!

[ELLEAN _goes to_ PAULA _slowly and unresponsively._] You could cure me of my jealousy very easily. Why don't you--like me?

ELLEAN.