The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Arthur W. Pinero (top 100 novels TXT) 📕

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 tomorrow. 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 tonight, 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 manservant. 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 shan’t sleep a wink tonight 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