Part 43 (1/2)

Good-night.

[_He disappears. She walks unsteadily to the ottoman, and sits; and as she does so her hand falls upon the little silver mirror, which she takes up, staring at her own reflection._

THE FOURTH ACT

_The Drawing room at ”Highercoombe,” the same evening._

PAULA _is still seated on the ottoman, looking vacantly before her, with the little mirror in her hand._ LADY ORREYED _enters._

LADY ORREYED.

There you are! You never came into the billiard-room. Isn't it maddening--Cayley Drummle gives me sixty out of a hundred and beats me. I must be out of form, because I know I play remarkably well for a lady. Only last month---- [PAULA _rises._] Whatever is the matter with you, old girl?

PAULA.

Why?

LADY ORREYED.

[_Staring._] It's the light, I suppose. [PAULA _replaces the mirror on the table._] By Aubrey's bolting from the billiard-table in that fas.h.i.+on I thought perhaps----

PAULA.

Yes; it's all right.

LADY ORREYED.

You've patched it up? [PAULA _nods._] Oh, I am jolly glad----! I mean----

PAULA.

Yes, I know what you mean. Thanks, Mabel.

LADY ORREYED.

[_Kissing_ PAULA.] Now take my advice; for the future----

PAULA.

Mabel, if I've been disagreeable to you while you've been staying here, I--I beg your pardon.

[_Walking away and sitting down._

LADY ORREYED.

You disagreeable, my dear? I haven't noticed it. Dodo and me both consider you make a first-cla.s.s hostess, but then you've had such practice, haven't you? [_Dropping on to the ottoman and gaping._]

Oh, talk about being sleepy----!