You think I have been unkind.
AUBREY.
[_Kissing her upon the forehead._] Be very gentle with Paula.
[_He goes out and she stands looking after him, then, as she turns thoughtfully from the door, a rose is thrown through the window and falls at her feet. She picks up the flower wonderingly and goes to the window._
ELLEAN.
[_Starting back._] Hugh!
HUGH ARDALE, _a handsome young man of about seven-and-twenty, with a boyish face and manner, appears outside the window._
HUGH.
Nelly! Nelly dear!
ELLEAN.
What"s the matter?
HUGH.
Hush! Nothing. It"s only fun. [_Laughing._] Ha, ha, ha! I"ve found out that Mrs. Cortelyon"s meadow runs up to your father"s plantation; I"ve come through a gap in the hedge.
ELLEAN.
Why, Hugh?
HUGH.
I"m miserable at The Warren; it"s so different from the Avenue de Friedland. Don"t look like that! Upon my word I meant just to peep at your home and go back, but I saw figures moving about here, and came nearer, hoping to get a glimpse of you. Was that your father?
[_Entering the room._
ELLEAN.
Yes.
HUGH.
Isn"t this fun! A rabbit ran across my foot while I was hiding behind that old yew.
ELLEAN.
You must go away; it"s not right for you to be here like this.
HUGH.
But it"s only fun, I tell you. You take everything so seriously. Do wish me good-night.
ELLEAN.
We have said good-night.
HUGH.
In the hall at The Warren before Mrs. Cortelyon and a man-servant.
Oh, it"s so different from the Avenue de Friedland!
ELLEAN.
[_Giving him her hand hastily._] Good-night, Hugh.
HUGH.
Is that all? We might be the merest acquaintances.
[_He momentarily embraces her, but she releases herself._
ELLEAN.
It"s when you"re like this that you make me feel utterly miserable.
[_Throwing the rose from her angrily._] Oh!
HUGH.
I"ve offended you now, I suppose?
ELLEAN.
Yes.
HUGH.
Forgive me, Nelly. Come into the garden for five minutes; we"ll stroll down to the plantation.
ELLEAN.
No, no.
HUGH.
For two minutes--to tell me you forgive me.
ELLEAN.
I forgive you.