The Second Mrs. Tanqueray - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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.
Hus.h.!.+ 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.
