Part 53 (2/2)

Paula----!

[_Trying to comfort her._

PAULA.

Oh, and I wanted so much to sleep to-night! [_Laying her head upon his shoulder. From the distance, in the garden, there comes the sound of_ DRUMMLE'S _voice; he is singing as he approaches the house._] That's Cayley, coming back from The Warren. [_Starting up._] He doesn't know, evidently. I--I won't see him!

[_She goes out quickly._ DRUMMLE'S _voice comes nearer._ AUBREY _rouses himself and s.n.a.t.c.hes up a book from the table, making a pretence of reading. After a moment or two,_ DRUMMLE _appears at the window and looks in._

DRUMMLE.

Aha! my dear chap!

AUBREY.

Cayley?

DRUMMLE.

[_Coming into the room._] I went down to The Warren after you?

AUBREY.

Yes?

DRUMMLE.

Missed you. Well? I've been gossiping with Mrs. Cortelyon. Confound you, I've heard the news!

AUBREY.

What have you heard?

DRUMMLE.

What have I heard! Why--Ellean and young Ardale! [_Looking at_ AUBREY _keenly._] My dear Aubrey! Alice is under the impression that you are inclined to look on the affair favourably.

AUBREY.

[_Rising and advancing to_ DRUMMLE.] You've not--met--Captain Ardale?

DRUMMLE.

No. Why do you ask? By-the-bye, I don't know that I need tell you--but it's rather strange. He's not at The Warren to-night.

AUBREY.

No?

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