Part 31 (2/2)

Look here. I've intercepted some letters from Mrs. Cortelyon and Ellean to--him. [_Producing three unopened letters from the bodice of her dress._] There are the accursed things! From Paris--two from the Cortelyon woman, the other from Ellean!

DRUMMLE.

But why--why?

PAULA.

I don't know. Yes, I do! I saw letters coming from Ellean to her father; not a line to me--not a line. And one morning it happened I was downstairs before he was, and I spied this one lying with his heap on the breakfast-table, and I slipped it into my pocket--out of malice, Cayley, pure devilry! And a day or two afterwards I met Elwes the postman at the Lodge, and took the letters from him, and found these others amongst 'em. I felt simply fiendish when I saw them--fiendis.h.!.+ [_Returning the letters to her bodice._] And now I carry them about with me, and they're scorching me like a mustard plaster!

DRUMMLE.

Oh, this accounts for Aubrey not hearing from Paris lately!

PAULA.

That's an ingenious conclusion to arrive at! Of course it does!

[_With an hysterical laugh._] Ha, ha!

DRUMMLE.

Well, well! [_Laughing._] Ha, ha, ha!

PAULA.

[_Turning upon him._] I suppose it _is_ amusing!

DRUMMLE.

I beg pardon.

PAULA.

Heaven knows I've little enough to brag about! I'm a bad lot, but not in mean tricks of this sort. In all my life this is the most caddish thing I've done. How am I to get rid of these letters--that's what I want to know? How am I to get rid of them?

DRUMMLE.

If I were you I should take Aubrey aside and put them into his hands as soon as possible.

PAULA.

What! and tell him to his face that I----! No, thank you. I suppose _you_ wouldn't like to----

DRUMMLE.

No, no; I won't touch 'em!

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