The Second Mrs. Tanqueray - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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 d.a.m.ned 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 G.o.d, 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.
