[She sits at the piano and rattles at a gay melody. Seeing that Paula's back is turned to them, Ellean goes to Aubrey and kisses him; he returns the kiss almost furtively. As they separate, the servants re-enter, and proceed to carry out the breakfast-table.

Aubrey.

[To Ellean.] I guess where you've been: there's some gorse clinging to your frock.

Ellean.

[Removing a sprig of gorse from her skirt.] Rover and I walked nearly as far as Black Moor. The poor fellow has a thorn in his pad; I am going upstairs for my tweezers.

Aubrey.

Ellean! [She returns to him.] Paula is a little depressed—out of sorts. She complains that she has no companion.

Ellean.

I am with Paula nearly all the day, papa.

Aubrey.