Part 54 (2/2)

Curse him! My poor, wretched wife! My poor, wretched wife!

[_The door opens and_ ELLEAN _appears. The two men turn to her. There is a moment's silence._

ELLEAN.

Father ... father...!

AUBREY.

Ellean?

ELLEAN.

I--I want you. [_He goes to her._] Father ... go to Paula! [_He looks into her face, startled._] Quickly--quickly! [_He pa.s.ses her to go out, she seizes his arm, with a cry._] No, no; don't go!

[_He shakes her off and goes._ ELLEAN _staggers back towards_ DRUMMLE.

DRUMMLE.

[_To_ ELLEAN.] What do you mean? What do you mean?

ELLEAN.

I--I went to her room--to tell her I was sorry for something I had said to her. And I _was_ sorry--I _was_ sorry. I heard the fall.

I--I've seen her. It's horrible.

DRUMMLE.

She--she has----!

ELLEAN.

Killed--herself? Yes--yes. So everybody will say. But I know--I helped to kill her. If I had only been merciful!

[_She faints upon the ottoman. He pauses for a moment irresolutely--then he goes to the door, opens it, and stands looking out._

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