AUBREY.

To understand!

DRUMMLE.

To understand, to--to philosophise.

AUBREY.

To philosophise?

DRUMMLE.

Philosophy is toleration, and it is only one step from toleration to forgiveness.

AUBREY.

You're right, Cayley; I believe you always are. Yes, yes. But, even if I had the courage to attempt to solve the problem of Ellean's future in this way, I--I'm helpless.

DRUMMLE.

How?

AUBREY.

What means have I now of placing my daughter in the world I've left?

DRUMMLE.

Oh, some friend--some woman friend.

AUBREY.

I have none; they're gone.

DRUMMLE.

You're wrong there; I know one----

AUBREY.

[_Listening._] That's Paula's cart. Let's discuss this again.

DRUMMLE.

[_Going up to the window and looking out._] It isn't the dog-cart.

[_Turning to_ AUBREY.] I hope you'll forgive me, old chap.

AUBREY.

What for?

DRUMMLE.

Whose wheels do you think have been cutting ruts in your immaculate drive?

_A_ SERVANT _enters._

SERVANT.

[_To_ AUBREY.] Mrs. Cortelyon, sir.

AUBREY.

Mrs. Cortelyon! [_After a short pause._] Very well. [_The_ SERVANT _withdraws._] What on earth is the meaning of this?

DRUMMLE.

Ahem! While I've been our old friend's guest, Aubrey, we have very naturally talked a good deal about you and yours.

AUBREY.

Indeed, have you?

DRUMMLE.

Yes, and Alice Cortelyon has arrived at the conclusion that it would have been far kinder had she called on Mrs. Tanqueray long ago.

She's going abroad for Easter before settling down in London for the season, and I believe she has come over this morning to ask for Ellean's companionship.

AUBREY.

Oh, I see! [_Frowning._] Quite a friendly little conspiracy, my dear Cayley!

DRUMMLE.

Conspiracy! Not at all, I a.s.sure you. [_Laughing._] Ha, ha!

ELLEAN _enters from the hall with_ MRS. CORTELYON,_a handsome, good humoured, spirited woman of about forty-five._

ELLEAN.

Papa----

MRS. CORTELYON.

[_To_ AUBREY, _shaking hands with him heartily._] Well, Aubrey, how are you? I've just been telling this great girl of yours that I knew her when she was a sad-faced, pale baby. How is Mrs. Tanqueray?

I have been a bad neighbour, and I'm here to beg forgiveness. Is she indoors?

AUBREY.