[Looking round innocently.] Have I said anything awkward? Aubrey, tell Mrs. Cortelyon how stupid and thoughtless I always am!
Mrs. Cortelyon.
[To Drummle who is now standing close to her.] Really, Cayley——! [He soothes her with a nod and smile and a motion of his finger to his lip.] Mrs. Tanqueray, I am afraid my explanation will not be quite so satisfactory as either of those you have just helped me to. You may have heard—but, if you have heard, you have doubtless forgotten—that twenty years ago, when your husband first lived here, I was a constant visitor at Highercoombe.
Paula.
Twenty years ago—fancy. I was a naughty little child then.
Mrs. Cortelyon.
Possibly. Well, at that time, and till the end of her life, my affections were centred upon the lady of this house.
Paula.
Were they? That was very sweet of you.
[Ellean approaches Mrs. Cortelyon, listening intently to her.