Part 45 (2/2)

[_To herself._] ”Are you and Aubrey----?” ”Good friends again?”

”Yes.” ”Quite, Cayley, quite.”

[_There is a brief pause, then_ AUBREY _enters hurriedly, wearing a light overcoat and carrying a cap._

AUBREY.

Paula dear! Have you seen Ellean?

PAULA.

I found her here when I came down.

AUBREY.

She--she's told you?

PAULA.

Yes, Aubrey.

AUBREY.

It's extraordinary, isn't it! Not that somebody should fall in love with Ellean or that Ellean herself should fall in love. All that's natural enough and was bound to happen, I suppose, sooner or later.

But this young fellow! You know his history?

PAULA.

His history?

AUBREY.

You remember the papers were full of his name a few months ago?

PAULA.

Oh, yes.

AUBREY.

The man's as brave as a lion, there's no doubt about that; and, at the same time, he's like a big good-natured schoolboy, Mrs.

Cortelyon says. Have you ever pictured the kind of man Ellean would marry some day?

PAULA.

I can't say that I have.

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