Paula.

His name was in that letter.

Aubrey.

[Going back from her slowly, and staring at her.] I don't understand.

Paula.

Well—Ardale and I once kept house together. [He remains silent, not moving.] Why don't you strike me? Hit me in the face—I'd rather you did! Hurt me! hurt me!

Aubrey.

[After a pause.] What did you—and this man—say to each other—just now?

Paula.

I—hardly—know.