Pauline\'s Passion and Punishment
PAULINE'S PASSION and PUNISHMENT Chapter I To and fro, like a wild creature in its cage, paced that handsome woman, with bent head, locked hands, and restless steps. Some mental storm, swift and sudden as a tempest of the tropics, had swept over her and left its marks behind. As if in anger at the beauty now proved powerless, all ornaments had been flung away, yet still it shone undimmed, and filled her with a passionate regret. A jewel glittered at her feet, leaving the lace rent to shreds on the indignant bosom that had worn it; the wreaths of hair that had crowned her with a woman's most womanly adornment fell disordered upon shoulders that gleamed the fairer for the scarlet of the pomegranate flowers clinging to the bright
MRS. BORKMAN.
You said it strangely--you did mean something by it, Ella!
ELLA RENTHEIM.
[Looking her straight in the eyes.] Yes, that is true, Gunhild!
I did mean something by it.
MRS. BORKMAN.
Well, then, say it right out.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
First let me tell you, I think I too have a certain claim upon
Erhart. Do you think I haven't?
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Glancing round the room.] No doubt--after all the money you
have spent upon him.
ELLA RENTHEIM.
Oh, not on that account, Gunhild. But because I love him.
MRS. BORKMAN.
[Smiling scornfully.] Love my son? Is it possible? You? In
spite of everything?
PAULINE'S PASSION and PUNISHMENT Chapter I To and fro, like a wild creature in its cage, paced that handsome woman, with bent head, locked hands, and restless steps. Some mental storm, swift and sudden as a tempest of the tropics, had swept over her and left its marks behind. As if in anger at the beauty now proved powerless, all ornaments had been flung away, yet still it shone undimmed, and filled her with a passionate regret. A jewel glittered at her feet, leaving the lace rent to shreds on the indignant bosom that had worn it; the wreaths of hair that had crowned her with a woman's most womanly adornment fell disordered upon shoulders that gleamed the fairer for the scarlet of the pomegranate flowers clinging to the bright