Part 33 (1/2)

AUBREY.

You can be very cruel.

PAULA.

That word's always on a man's lips; he uses it if his soup's cold.

[_With another movement as if to go._] Need we----

AUBREY.

I know I've wounded you, Paula. But isn't there any way out of this?

PAULA.

When does Ellean return? To-morrow? Next week?

AUBREY.

[_Wearily._] Oh! Why should we grudge Ellean the little pleasure she is likely to find in Paris and in London.

PAULA.

I grudge her nothing, if that's a hit at me. But with that woman----!

AUBREY.

It must be that woman or another. You know that at present we are unable to give Ellean the opportunity of--of----

PAULA.

Of mixing with respectable people.

AUBREY.

The opportunity of gaining friends, experience, ordinary knowledge of the world. If you are interested in Ellean, can't you see how useful Mrs. Cortelyon's good offices are?

PAULA.

May I put one question? At the end of the London season, when Mrs.

Cortelyon has done with Ellean, is it quite understood that the girl comes back to us? [AUBREY _is silent._] Is it? Is it?

AUBREY.

Let us wait till the end of the season----

PAULA.

Oh! I knew it. You're only fooling me; you put me off with any trash. I believe you've sent Ellean away, not for the reasons you give, but because you don't consider me a decent companion for her, because you're afraid she might get a little of her innocence rubbed off in my company? Come, isn't that the truth? Be honest! Isn't that it?