Mrs. Cortelyon.
I will say no more on that score, but I must add this: when, two months ago, you came here, I realised, perhaps for the first time, that I was a middle-aged woman, and that it had become impossible for me to accept without some effort a breaking-in upon many tender associations. There, Mrs. Tanqueray, that is my confession. Will you try to understand it and pardon me?
Paula.
[Watching Ellean,—sneeringly.] Ellean dear, you appear to be very interested in Mrs. Cortelyon's reminiscences; I don't think I can do better than make you my mouthpiece—there is such sympathy between us. What do you say—can we bring ourselves to forgive Mrs. Cortelyon for neglecting us for two weary months?
Mrs. Cortelyon.
[To Ellean, pleasantly.] Well, Ellean? [With a little cry of tenderness Ellean impulsively sits beside Mrs. Cortelyon and takes her hand.] My dear child!
Paula.
[In an undertone to Aubrey.] Ellean isn't so very slow in taking to Mrs. Cortelyon!
Mrs. Cortelyon.
[To Paula and Aubrey.] Come, this encourages me to broach my scheme. Mrs. Tanqueray, it strikes me that you two good people are just now excellent company for each other, while Ellean would perhaps be glad of a little peep into the world you are anxious to avoid. Now, I'm going to Paris to-morrow for a week or two before settling down in Chester Square, so—don't gasp, both of you!—if this girl is willing, and you have made no other arrangements for her, will you let her come with me to Paris, and afterwards remain with me in town during the Season? [Ellean utters an exclamation of surprise. Paula is silent.] What do you say?