Part 25 (2/2)

Then I--I am willing.

PAULA.

[_Rising and striking the table lightly with her clenched hand._]

That decides it! [_There is a general movement. Excitedly to_ MRS.

CORTELYON, _who advances towards her._] When do you want her?

MRS. CORTELYON.

We go to town this afternoon at five o'clock, and sleep to-night at Bayliss's. There is barely time for her to make her preparations.

PAULA.

I will undertake that she is ready.

MRS. CORTELYON.

I've a great deal to scramble through at home too, as you may guess.

Good-bye!

PAULA.

[_Turning away._] Mrs. Cortelyon is going.

[PAULA _stands looking out of the window, with her back to those in the room._

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ DRUMMLE.] Cayley----

DRUMMLE.

[_To her._] Eh?

MRS. CORTELYON.

I've gone through it, for the sake of Aubrey and his child, but I--I feel a hundred. Is that a mad-woman?

DRUMMLE.

Of course; all jealous women are mad.

[_He goes out with_ AUBREY.

MRS. CORTELYON.

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