PAULA.

And you call yourself my friend?

DRUMMLE.

[_Good-humouredly._] No, I don't!

PAULA.

Perhaps I'll tie them together and give them to his man in the morning.

DRUMMLE.

That won't avoid an explanation.

PAULA.

[_Recklessly._] Oh, then he must miss them----

DRUMMLE.

And trace them.

PAULA.

[_Throwing herself upon the ottoman._] I don't care!

DRUMMLE.

I know you don't; but let me send him to you now, may I?

PAULA.

Now! What do you think a woman's made of? I couldn't stand it, Cayley. I haven't slept for nights; and last night there was thunder, too! I believe I've got the horrors.

DRUMMLE.

[_Taking the little hand-mirror from the table._] You'll sleep well enough when you deliver those letters. Come, come, Mrs. Aubrey--a good night's rest! [_Holding the mirror before her face._] It's quite time.

[_She looks at herself for a moment, then s.n.a.t.c.hes the mirror from him._

PAULA.

You brute, Cayley, to show me that!

DRUMMLE.

Then--may I? Be guided by a fr--a poor old woman! May I?

PAULA.

You'll kill me, amongst you!

DRUMMLE.

What do you say?

PAULA.

[_After a pause._] Very well. [_He nods his head and goes out rapidly. She looks after him for a moment, and calls "Cayley!

Cayley!" Then she again produces the letters, deliberately, one by one, fingering them with aversion. Suddenly she starts, turning her head towards the door._] Ah!

AUBREY _enters quickly._

AUBREY.

Paula!

PAULA.

[_Handing him the letters, her face averted._] There! [_He examines the letters, puzzled, and looks at her inquiringly._] They are many days old. I stole them, I suppose to make you anxious and unhappy.

[_He looks at the letters again, then lays them aside on the table._

AUBREY.

[_Gently._] Paula, dear, it doesn't matter.

PAULA.

[_After a short pause._] Why--why do you take it like this?

AUBREY.

What did you expect?

PAULA.

Oh, but I suppose silent reproaches are really the severest. And then, naturally, you are itching to open your letters.

[_She crosses the room as if to go._

AUBREY.

Paula! [_She pauses._] Surely, surely it's all over now?

PAULA.

All over! [_Mockingly._.] Has my step-daughter returned then? When did she arrive? I haven't heard of it!