Part 28 (2/2)

LADY ORREYED.

A serious split with your husband without a pal on the premises--I should say, without a friend in the house--would be most unpleasant.

PAULA.

[_Turning to her abruptly._] This place must be horribly doleful for you and George just now. At least you ought to consider him before me. Why don't you leave me to my difficulties?

LADY ORREYED.

Oh, we're quite comfortable, dear, thank you--both of us. George and me are so wrapped up in each other, it doesn't matter where we are.

I don't want to crow over you, old girl, but I've got a perfect husband.

[SIR GEORGE _is now fast asleep, his head thrown back and his mouth open, looking hideous._

PAULA.

[_Glancing at_ SIR GEORGE.] So you've given me to understand.

LADY ORREYED.

Not that we don't have our little differences. Why, we fell out only this very morning. You remember the diamond and ruby tiara Charley Prestwick gave poor dear Connie Tirlemont years ago, don't you?

PAULA.

No, I do not.

LADY ORREYED.

No? Well, it's in the market. Benjamin of Piccadilly has got it in his shop-window, and I've set my heart on it.

PAULA.

You consider it quite necessary?

LADY ORREYED.

Yes, because what I say to Dodo is this--a lady of my station must smother herself with hair ornaments. It's different with you, love--people don't look for so much blaze from you, but I've got rank to keep up; haven't I?

PAULA.

Yes.

LADY ORREYED.

Well, that was the cause of the little set-to between I and Dodo this morning. He broke two chairs, he was in such a rage. I forgot, they're your chairs; do you mind?

PAULA.

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