But, Ellean, you forget I—I am your step-mother. It was my—my duty—to tell your father what I—what I knew——
Ellean.
What you knew! Why, after all, what can you know! You can only speak from gossip, report, hearsay! How is it possible that you——! [She stops abruptly. The two women stand staring at each other for a moment; then Ellean backs away from Paula slowly.] Paula!
Paula.
What—what's the matter?
Ellean.
You—you knew Captain Ardale in London!
Paula.
Why—what do you mean?
Ellean.