Part 5

[_In an undertone to_ MRS. CORTELYON.] Never mind. Not now, dear--not to-night.

AUBREY.

Eh?

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ ELLEAN _aloud._] Child, run away and take your things off. She doesn't look as if she'd journeyed from Paris to-day.

AUBREY.

I've never seen her with such a colour.

[_Taking_ ELLEAN'S _hands._

ELLEAN.

[_To_ AUBREY, _in a faint voice._] Papa, Mrs. Cortelyon has been so very, very kind to me, but I--I have come home.

[_She goes out._

AUBREY.

Come home! [_To_ MRS. CORTELYON.] Ellean returns to us, then?

MRS. CORTELYON.

That's the very point I put to you in my letters, and you oblige me to travel from Paris to Willowmere on a warm day to settle it. I think perhaps it's right that Ellean should be with you just now, although I---- My dear friend, circumstances are a little altered.

AUBREY.

Alice, you're in some trouble.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Well--yes, I _am_ in trouble. You remember pretty little Mrs. Brereton who was once Caroline Ardale?

AUBREY.

Quite well.

MRS. CORTELYON.

She's a widow now, poor thing. She has the _entresol_ of the house where we've been lodging in the Avenue de Friedland. Caroline's a dear chum of mine; she formed a great liking for Ellean.

AUBREY.

I'm very glad.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Yes, it's nice for her to meet her mother's friends. Er--that young Hugh Ardale the papers were full of some time ago--he's Caroline Brereton's brother, you know.

AUBREY.

No, I didn't know. What did he do? I forget.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Checked one of those horrid mutinies at some far-away station in India, marched down with a handful of his men and a few faithful natives, and held the place until he was relieved. They gave him his company and a V.C. for it.

AUBREY.

And he's Mrs. Brereton's brother?

MRS. CORTELYON.

Yes. He's with his sister--_was_, rather--in Paris. He's home--invalided. Good gracious, Aubrey, why don't you help me out? Can't you guess what has occurred?

AUBREY.

Alice!

MRS. CORTELYON.

Young Ardale--Ellean!

AUBREY.

An attachment?

MRS. CORTELYON.

Yes, Aubrey. [_After a little pause._] Well, I suppose I've got myself into sad disgrace. But really I didn't foresee anything of this kind. A serious, reserved child like Ellean, and a boyish, high-spirited soldier--it never struck me as being likely. [AUBREY _paces to and fro thoughtfully._] I did all I could directly Captain Ardale spoke--wrote to you at once. Why on earth don't you receive your letters promptly, and when you do get them why can't you open them? I endured the anxiety till last night, and then made up my mind--home! Of course, it has worried me terribly. My head's bursting. Are there any salts about? [AUBREY _fetches a bottle from the cabinet and hands it to her._] We've had one of those hateful smooth crossings that won't let you be properly indisposed.

AUBREY.

My dear Alice, I assure you I've no thought of blaming you.

MRS. CORTELYON.

That statement always precedes a quarrel.

AUBREY.

I don't know whether this is the worst or the best luck. How will my wife regard it? Is Captain Ardale a good fellow?

MRS. CORTELYON.

My dear Aubrey, you'd better read up the accounts of his wonderful heroism. Face to face with death for a whole week; always with a smile and a cheering word for the poor helpless souls depending on him! Of course, it's that that has stirred the depths of your child's nature. I've watched her while we've been dragging the story out of him, and if angels look different from Ellean at that moment, I don't desire to meet any, that's all!

AUBREY.

If you were in my position----? But you can't judge.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Why, if I had a marriageable daughter of my own and Captain Ardale proposed for her, naturally I should cry my eyes out all night--but I should thank Heaven in the morning.

AUBREY.

You believe so thoroughly in him?

MRS. CORTELYON.

Do you think I should have only a headache at this minute if I didn't! Look here, you've got to see me down the lane; that's the least you can do, my friend. Come into my house for a moment and shake hands with Hugh.

AUBREY.

What, is he here?

MRS. CORTELYON.

He came through with us, to present himself formally to-morrow. Where are my gloves? [AUBREY _fetches them from the ottoman._] Make my apologies to Mrs. Tanqueray, please. She's well, I hope? [_Going towards the door._] I can't feel sorry she hasn't seen me in this condition.

ELLEAN _enters._

ELLEAN.

[_To_ MRS. CORTELYON.] I've been waiting to wish you good-night. I was afraid I'd missed you.

MRS. CORTELYON.

Good-night, Ellean.

ELLEAN.

[_In a low voice, embracing_ MRS. CORTELYON.] I can't thank you. Dear Mrs. Cortelyon!

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_Her arms round_ ELLEAN, _in a whisper to_ AUBREY.] Speak a word to her.

[MRS. CORTELYON _goes out._

AUBREY.

[_To_ ELLEAN.] Ellean, I'm going to see Mrs. Cortelyon home. Tell Paula where I am; explain, dear.

[_Going to the door_

ELLEAN.

[_Her head drooping._] Yes. [_Quickly._] Father! You are angry with me--disappointed?

AUBREY.

Angry?--no.

ELLEAN.

Disappointed?

AUBREY.

[_Smiling and going to her and taking her hand._] If so, it's only because you've shaken my belief in my discernment. I thought you took after your poor mother a little, Ellean; but there's a look on your face to-night, dear, that I never saw on hers--never, never.

ELLEAN.

[_Leaning her head on his shoulder._] Perhaps I ought not to have gone away?

AUBREY.

Hush! You're quite happy?

ELLEAN.

Yes.

AUBREY.

That's right. Then, as you are quite happy there is something I particularly want you to do for me Ellean.

ELLEAN.

What is that?

AUBREY.

Be very gentle with Paula. Will you?

ELLEAN.

You think I have been unkind.

AUBREY.

[_Kissing her upon the forehead._] Be very gentle with Paula.

[_He goes out and she stands looking after him, then, as she turns thoughtfully from the door, a rose is thrown through the window and falls at her feet. She picks up the flower wonderingly and goes to the window._

ELLEAN.

[_Starting back._] Hugh!

HUGH ARDALE, _a handsome young man of about seven-and-twenty, with a boyish face and manner, appears outside the window._

HUGH.

Nelly! Nelly dear!

ELLEAN.

What's the matter?

HUGH.

Hush! Nothing. It's only fun. [_Laughing._] Ha, ha, ha! I've found out that Mrs. Cortelyon's meadow runs up to your father's plantation; I've come through a gap in the hedge.

ELLEAN.

Why, Hugh?

HUGH.

I'm miserable at The Warren; it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland. Don't look like that! Upon my word I meant just to peep at your home and go back, but I saw figures moving about here, and came nearer, hoping to get a glimpse of you. Was that your father?

[_Entering the room._

ELLEAN.

Yes.

HUGH.

Isn't this fun! A rabbit ran across my foot while I was hiding behind that old yew.

ELLEAN.

You must go away; it's not right for you to be here like this.

HUGH.

But it's only fun, I tell you. You take everything so seriously. Do wish me good-night.

ELLEAN.

We have said good-night.

HUGH.

In the hall at The Warren before Mrs. Cortelyon and a man-servant. Oh, it's so different from the Avenue de Friedland!

ELLEAN.

[_Giving him her hand hastily._] Good-night, Hugh.

HUGH.

Is that all? We might be the merest acquaintances.

[_He momentarily embraces her, but she releases herself._

ELLEAN.

It's when you're like this that you make me feel utterly miserable. [_Throwing the rose from her angrily._] Oh!

HUGH.

I've offended you now, I suppose?

ELLEAN.

Yes.

HUGH.

Forgive me, Nelly. Come into the garden for five minutes; we'll stroll down to the plantation.

ELLEAN.

No, no.

HUGH.

For two minutes--to tell me you forgive me.

ELLEAN.

I forgive you.

HUGH.

Evidently. I sha'n't sleep a wink to-night after this. What a fool I am! Come down to the plantation. Make it up with me.

ELLEAN.

There is somebody coming into this room. Do you wish to be seen here?

HUGH.

I shall wait for you behind that yew-tree. You must speak to me. Nelly!

[_He disappears._ PAULA _enters._

PAULA.

Ellean!

ELLEAN.

You--you are very surprised to see me, Paula, of course.

PAULA.

Why are you here? Why aren't you with--your friend?

ELLEAN.

I've come home--if you'll have me. We left Paris this morning; Mrs. Cortelyon brought me back. She was here a minute or two ago; papa has just gone with her to The Warren. He asked me to tell you.

PAULA.

There are some people staying with us that I'd rather you didn't meet. It was hardly worth your while to return for a few hours.

ELLEAN.

A few hours?

PAULA.

Well, when do you go to London?

ELLEAN.

I don't think I go to London, after all.

PAULA.

[_Eagerly._] You--you've quarrelled with her?

ELLEAN.

No, no, no, not that; but--Paula! [_In an altered tone._] Paula.

PAULA.

[_Startled._] Eh? [ELLEAN _goes deliberately to_ PAULA _and kisses her._] Ellean!

ELLEAN.

Kiss me.

PAULA.

What--what's come to you?

ELLEAN.

I want to behave differently to you in the future. Is it too late?

PAULA.

Too--late! [_Impulsively kissing_ ELLEAN _and crying._] No--no--no! No--no!

ELLEAN.

Paula, don't cry.

PAULA.

[_Wiping her eyes_] I'm a little shaky; I haven't been sleeping. It's all right,--talk to me.

ELLEAN.

There is something I want to tell you----

PAULA.

Is there--is there?

[_They sit together on the ottoman,_ PAULA _taking_ ELLEAN'S _hand._

ELLEAN.

Paula, in our house in the Avenue de Friedland, on the floor below us, there was a Mrs. Brereton. She used to be a friend of my mother's. Mrs. Cortelyon and I spent a great deal of our time with her.

PAULA.

[_Suspiciously._] Oh! [_Letting_ ELLEAN'S _hand fall._] Is this lady going to take you up in place of Mrs. Cortelyon?

ELLEAN.

No, no. Her brother is staying with her--_was_ staying with her. Her brother----

[_Breaking off in confusion._

PAULA.

Well?

ELLEAN.

[_Almost inaudibly._] Paula----

[_She rises and walks away,_ PAULA _following her._

PAULA.

Ellean! [_Taking hold of her._] You're not in love!

[ELLEAN _looks at_ PAULA _appealingly._

PAULA.

Oh! _You_ in love! You! Oh, this is why you've come home! Of course, you can make friends with me now! You'll leave us for good soon, I suppose; so it doesn't much matter being civil to me for a little while!

ELLEAN.

Oh, Paula!

PAULA.

Why, how you have deceived us--all of us! We've taken you for a cold-blooded little saint. The fools you've made of us! Saint Ellean! Saint Ellean!

ELLEAN.

Ah, I might have known you'd only mock me!

PAULA.

[_Her tone changing._] Eh?

ELLEAN.

I--I can't talk to you. [_Sitting on the settee._] You do nothing else but mock and sneer, nothing else.

PAULA.

Ellean dear! Ellean! I didn't mean it. I'm so horribly jealous, it's a sort of curse on me. [_Kneeling beside_ ELLEAN _and embracing her._] My tongue runs away with me. I'm going to alter, I swear I am. I've made some good resolutions, and, as God's above me, I'll keep them! If you are in love, if you do ever marry, that's no reason why we shouldn't be fond of each other. Come, you've kissed me of your own accord--you can't take it back. Now we're friends again, aren't we? Ellean dear! I want to know everything, everything. Ellean dear, Ellean!

ELLEAN.

Paula, Hugh has done something that makes me very angry. He came with us from Paris to-day, to see papa. He is staying with Mrs. Cortelyon and--I ought to tell you----

PAULA.

Yes, yes. What?

ELLEAN.

He has found his way by The Warren meadow through the plantation up to this house. He is waiting to bid me good-night. [_Glancing towards the garden._] He is--out there.

PAULA.

Oh!

ELLEAN.

What shall I do?

PAULA.

Bring him in to see me! Will you?

ELLEAN.

No, no.

PAULA.

But I'm dying to know him. Oh, yes, you must. I shall meet him before Aubrey does. [_Excitedly running her hands over her hair._] I'm so glad. [ELLEAN _goes out by the window._] The mirror--mirror. What a fright I must look! [_Not finding the hand-glass on the table, she jumps on to the settee, and surveys herself in the mirror over the mantelpiece, then sits quietly down and waits._] Ellean! Just fancy! Ellean!

_After a pause_ ELLEAN _enters by the window with_ HUGH.

ELLEAN.

Paula, this is Captain Ardale--Mrs. Tanqueray.

[PAULA _risen and turns, and she and_ HUGH _stand staring blankly at each other for a moment or two; then_ PAULA _advances and gives him her hand._

PAULA.

[_In a strange voice, but calmly._] How do you do?

HUGH.

How do you do?

PAULA.

[_To_ ELLEAN.] Mr. Ardale and I have met in London, Ellean. Er--Captain Ardale, now?

HUGH.

Yes.

ELLEAN.

In London?

PAULA.

They say the world's very small, don't they?

HUGH.

Yes.

PAULA.

Ellean, dear, I want to have a little talk about you to Mr. Ardale--Captain Ardale--alone. [_Putting her arms round_ ELLEAN, _and leading her to the door._] Come back in a little while. [ELLEAN _nods to_ PAULA _with a smile and goes out, while_ PAULA _stands watching her at the open door._] In a little while--in a little---- [_Closing the door and then taking a seat facing_ HUGH.] Be quick! Mr. Tanqueray has only gone down to The Warren with Mrs. Cortelyon. What is to be done?

HUGH.

[_Blankly._] Done?

PAULA.

Done--done. Something must be done.

HUGH.

I understood that Mr. Tanqueray had married a Mrs.--Mrs.----

PAULA.

Jarman?

HUGH.

Yes.

PAULA.

I'd been going by that name. You didn't follow my doings after we separated.

HUGH.

No.

PAULA.

[_Sneeringly._] No.

HUGH.

I went out to India.

PAULA.

What's to be done?

HUGH.

Damn this chance!

PAULA.

Oh, my God!

HUGH.

Your husband doesn't know, does he?

PAULA.

That you and I----?

HUGH.

Yes.

PAULA.

No. He knows about others.

HUGH.

Not about me. How long were we----?

PAULA.

I don't remember, exactly.

HUGH.

Do you--do you think it matters?

PAULA.

His--his daughter. [_With a muttered exclamation he turns away and sits with his head in his hands._] What's to be done?

HUGH.

I wish I could think.

PAULA.

Oh! Oh! What happened to that flat of ours in Ethelbert Street?

HUGH.

I let it.

PAULA.

All that pretty furniture?

HUGH.

Sold it.

PAULA.

I came across the key of the escritoire the other day in an old purse! [_Suddenly realising the horror and hopelessness of her position, and starting to her feet with an hysterical cry of rage._] What am I maundering about?

HUGH.

For God's sake, be quiet! Do let me think.

PAULA.

This will send me mad! [_Suddenly turning and standing over him._] You--you beast, to crop up in my life again like this!

HUGH.

I always treated you fairly.

PAULA.

[_Weakly._] Oh! I beg your pardon--I know you did--I----

[_She sinks on to the settee, crying hysterically._

HUGH.

Hush!

PAULA.

She kissed me to-night! I'd won her over! I've had such a fight to make her love me! And now--just as she's beginning to love me, to bring this on her!

HUGH.

Hush, hush! Don't break down!

PAULA.

[_Sobbing._] You don't know! I--I haven't been getting on well in my marriage. It's been my fault. The life I used to lead spoilt me completely. But I'd made up my mind to turn over a new life from to-night. From to-night!

HUGH.

Paula----

PAULA.

Don't you call me that!

HUGH.

Mrs. Tanqueray, there is no cause for you to despair in this way. It's all right, I tell you--it shall be all right.

PAULA.

[_Shivering._] What are we to do?

HUGH.

Hold our tongues.

PAULA.

Eh?

[_Staring vacantly._

HUGH.

The chances are a hundred to one against any one ever turning up who knew us when we were together. Besides, no one would be such a brute as to split on us. If anybody did do such a thing we should have to lie! What are we upsetting ourselves like this for, when we've simply got to hold our tongues?

PAULA.

You're as mad as I am!

HUGH.

Can you think of a better plan?

PAULA.

There's only one plan possible--let's come to our senses!--Mr. Tanqueray must be told.

HUGH.

Your husband! What, and I lose Ellean! I lose Ellean!

PAULA.

You've got to lose her.

HUGH.

I won't lose her! I can't lose her!

PAULA.

Didn't I read of your doing any number of brave things in India? Why, you seem to be an awful coward!

HUGH.

That's another sort of pluck altogether; I haven't this sort of pluck.

PAULA.

Oh, I don't ask _you_ to tell Mr. Tanqueray. That's my job.

HUGH.

[_Standing over her._] You--you--you'd better! You----!

PAULA.

[_Rising._] Don't bully me! I intend to.

HUGH.

[_Taking hold of her; she wrenches herself free._] Look here, Paula! I never treated you badly--you've owned it. Why should you want to pay me out like this? You don't know how I love Ellean!

PAULA.

Yes, that's just what I _do_ know.

HUGH.

I say you don't! She's as good as my own mother. I've been downright honest with her too. I told her, in Paris, that I'd been a bit wild at one time, and, after a damned wretched day, she promised to forgive me because of what I'd done since in India. She's behaved like an angel to me! Surely I oughtn't to lose her, after all, just because I've been like other fellows! No; I haven't been half as rackety as a hundred men we could think of. Paula, don't pay me out for nothing; be fair to me, there's a good girl--be fair to me!

PAULA.

Oh, I'm not considering you at all! I advise you not to stay here any longer; Mr. Tanqueray is sure to be back soon.

HUGH.

[_Taking up his hat._] What's the understanding between us then? What have we arranged to do?

PAULA.

I don't know what you're going to do; I've got to tell Mr. Tanqueray.

HUGH.

By God, you shall do nothing of the sort!

[_Approaching her fiercely._

PAULA.

You shocking coward!

HUGH.

If you dare! [_Going up to the window._] Mind! If you dare!

PAULA.

[_Following him._] Why, what would you do?

HUGH.

[_After a short pause, sullenly._] Nothing. I'd shoot myself--that's nothing. Good-night.

PAULA.

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 fashion 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-class hostess, but then you've had such practice, haven't you? [_Dropping on to the ottoman and gaping._] Oh, talk about being sleepy----!

PAULA.

Why don't you----!

LADY ORREYED.

Why, dear, I must hang about for Dodo. You may as well know it; he's in one of his moods.

PAULA.

[_Under her breath._] Oh----!

LADY ORREYED.

Now, it's not his fault; it was deadly dull for him while we were playing billiards. Cayley Drummle did ask him to mark, but I stopped that; it's so easy to make a gentleman look like a billiard-marker. This is just how it always is; if poor old Dodo has nothing to do, he loses count, as you may say.

PAULA.

Hark!

SIR GEORGE ORREYED _enters, walking slowly and deliberately; he looks pale and watery-eyed._

SIR GEORGE.

[_With mournful indistinctness._] I'm 'fraid we've lef' you a grea' deal to yourself to-night, Mrs. Tanqueray. Attra'tions of billiards. I apol'gise. I say, where's ol' Aubrey?

PAULA.

My husband has been obliged to go out to a neighbour's house.

SIR GEORGE.

I want his advice on a rather pressing matter connected with my family--my family. [_Sitting._] To-morrow will do just as well.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] This is the mood I hate so--drivelling about his precious family.

SIR GEORGE.

The fact is, Mrs. Tanqueray, I am not easy in my min' 'bout the way I am treatin' my poor ol' mother.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Do you hear that? That's _his_ mother, but _my_ mother he won't so much as look at!

SIR GEORGE.

I shall write to Bruton Street firs' thing in the morning.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Mamma has stuck to me through everything--well, you know!

SIR GEORGE.

I'll get ol' Aubrey to figure out a letter. I'll drop line to Uncle Fitz too--dooced shame of the ol' feller to chuck me over in this manner. [_Wiping his eyes._] All my family have chucked me over.

LADY ORREYED.

[_Rising._] Dodo!

SIR GEORGE.

Jus' because I've married beneath me, to be chucked over! Aunt Lydia, the General, Hooky Whitgrave, Lady Sugnall--my own dear sister!--all turn their backs on me. It's more than I can stan'!

LADY ORREYED.

[_Approaching him with dignity._] Sir George, wish Mrs. Tanqueray good-night at once and come upstairs. Do you hear me?

SIR GEORGE.

[_Rising angrily._] Wha'----

LADY ORREYED.

Be quiet!

SIR GEORGE.

You presoom to order me about!

LADY ORREYED.

You're making an exhibition of yourself!

SIR GEORGE.

Look 'ere----!

LADY ORREYED.

Come along, I tell you!

[_He hesitates, utters a few inarticulate sounds, then snatches up a fragile ornament from the table, and is about to dash it on to the ground._ LADY ORREYED _retreats, and_ PAULA _goes to him._

PAULA.

George!

[_He replaces the ornament._

SIR GEORGE.

[_Shaking_ PAULA'S _hand._] Good ni', Mrs. Tanqueray.

LADY ORREYED.

[_To_ PAULA.] Good-night, darling. Wish Aubrey good-night for me. Now, Dodo?

[_She goes out._

SIR GEORGE.

[_To_ PAULA.] I say, are you goin' to sit up for ol' Aubrey?

PAULA.

Yes.

SIR GEORGE.

Shall I keep you comp'ny?

PAULA.

No, thank you, George.

SIR GEORGE.

Sure?

PAULA.

Yes, sure.

SIR GEORGE.

[_Shaking hands._] Good-night again.

PAULA.

Good-night.

[_She turns away. He goes out, steadying himself carefully. Drummle appears outside the window, smoking._

DRUMMLE.

[_Looking into the room, and seeing_ PAULA.] My last cigar. Where's Aubrey?

PAULA.

Gone down to The Warren, to see Mrs. Cortelyon home.

DRUMMLE.

[_Entering the room._] Eh? Did you say Mrs. Cortelyon?

PAULA.

Yes. She has brought Ellean back.

DRUMMLE.

Bless my soul! Why?

PAULA.

I--I'm too tired to tell you, Cayley. If you stroll along the lane you'll meet Aubrey. Get the news from him.

DRUMMLE.

[_Going up to the window._] Yes, yes. [_Returning to_ PAULA.] I don't want to bother you, only--the anxious old woman, you know. Are you and Aubrey----?

PAULA.

Good friends again?

DRUMMLE.

[_Nodding._] Um.

PAULA.

[_Giving him her hand._] Quite, Cayley, quite.

DRUMMLE.

[_Retaining her hand._] That's capital. As I'm off so early to-morrow morning, let me say now--thank you for your hospitality.

[_He bends over her hand gallantly, then goes out by the window._

PAULA.

[_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.