Part 29 (1/2)

No.

LADY ORREYED.

You know, poor Dodo can't lose his temper without smas.h.i.+ng something; if it isn't a chair, it's a mirror; if it isn't that, it's china--a bit of Dresden for choice. Dear old pet! he loves a bit of Dresden when he's furious. He doesn't really throw things _at_ me, dear; he simply lifts them up and drops them, like a gentleman. I expect our room upstairs will look rather wrecky before I get that tiara.

PAULA.

Excuse the suggestion, perhaps your husband can't afford it.

LADY ORREYED.

Oh, how dreadfully changed you are, Paula! Dodo can always mortgage something, or borrow of his ma. What _is_ coming to you!

PAULA.

Ah!

[_She sits at the piano and touches the keys._

LADY ORREYED.

Oh, yes, do play! That's the one thing I envy you for.

PAULA.

What shall I play?

LADY ORREYED.

What was that heavenly piece you gave us last night, dear?

PAULA.

A bit of Schubert. Would you like to hear it again?

LADY ORREYED.

You don't know any comic songs, do you?

PAULA.

I'm afraid not.

LADY ORREYED.

I leave it to you, then.

[PAULA _plays._ AUBREY _and_ CAYLEY DRUMMLE _appear outside the window; they look into the room._

AUBREY.