Part 51 (1/2)

You've always hated me! You shall answer me!

ELLEAN.

Well, then, I have always--always----

PAULA.

What?

ELLEAN.

I have always known what you were!

PAULA.

Ah! Who--who told you?

ELLEAN.

n.o.body but yourself. From the first moment I saw you I knew you were altogether unlike the good women I'd left; directly I saw you I knew what my father had done. You've wondered why I've turned from you!

There--that's the reason! Oh, but this is a horrible way for the truth to come home to every one! Oh!

PAULA.

It's a lie! It's all a lie! [_Forcing_ ELLEAN _down upon her knees._] You shall beg my pardon for it. [_Ellean utters a loud shriek of terror._] Ellean, I'm a good woman! I swear I am! I've always been a good woman! You dare to say I've ever been anything else! It's a lie!

[_Throwing her off violently._

AUBREY _re-enters._

AUBREY.

Paula! [PAULA _staggers back as_ AUBREY _advances. Raising_ ELLEAN.]

What's this? What's this?

ELLEAN.

[_Faintly._] Nothing. It--it's my fault. Father, I--I don't wish to see Captain Ardale again.

[_She goes out,_ AUBREY _slowly following her to the door._

PAULA.

Aubrey, she--she guesses.

AUBREY.

Guesses?