The Second Mrs. Tanqueray - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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 G.o.d'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.
Hus.h.!.+
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, hus.h.!.+ 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.
[_s.h.i.+vering._] What are we to do?
HUGH.
Hold our tongues.
PAULA.
Eh?
[_Staring vacantly._
