Carlyon Sahib Part 21

CARLYON.

I am only reasoning with Her Majesty's Government. There, copy that!

[_Gives her the draft letter._

VERA.

There is a thing you ought perhaps to see in this paper--some experiments of Dr. Steinmetz.

[_Offering him the_ B. M. J.

CARLYON.

[_Sharply._] What paper?

VERA.

Only the _British Medical Journal_. You said I could keep it on.

CARLYON.

You have given up all the others?

VERA.

Yes. All except this. There is an article here----

[_Offers it to him again: he does not take it._

CARLYON.

Do you care about this one?

VERA.

[_With a sigh and a smile._] I have read it all through three times.

CARLYON.

[_Rising; peremptorily._] Vera, I don't offer you my work as a _pis aller_. If you wish to go back to your medicine. . . .

VERA.

Dr. Rheinhardt has definitely forbidden me!

CARLYON.

You could win Rheinhardt round in ten minutes. The point is--do you wish it?

VERA.

[_Dispiritedly._] Oh, no; I want only to serve you. When you first spoke of making me your secretary, it came to me like a ray of sunlight.

CARLYON.

But now you have regrets?

VERA.

No. I always felt a sort of doubt and fear of things when I depended on myself; and now that is all gone.

CARLYON.

You don't feel at home in my world yet; naturally.

VERA.

I think I do. It is so restful to have you to guide me and judge for me.

Only I do enjoy this old thing--[_showing the_ B. M. J.]--and it takes very little time.

CARLYON.

It is not a question of time; it is a question of divided allegiance.

VERA.

I will give it up it you think right, father.

CARLYON.

No, not just yet. Here are three more letters. [_Hands them to her._]

Decline that. Agree to that. Tell the Deputation to come on the 15th at 10 A.M.

VERA.

Yes.

CARLYON.

Also write out a telegram. [_Looks at her and pauses._] No; that is all. Take them upstairs; I may want to dictate something.

VERA.

Yes.

[_Exit_ VERA. CARLYON _sits again_. ELIZABETH, _who has approached from the veranda, looks at_ CARLYON _questioningly_.

CARLYON.