Carlyon Sahib Part 23

Truth? [_Nervously._] Do you mean you will tell her about me, or something you have never told me? She won't bear it!

CARLYON.

Of course she won't. I should like to see her bear a thing that I mean to crush her!

ELIZABETH.

[_Suddenly throwing herself down and kissing his hand._] Oh, do let it be me! Let me do something for you! If you would only try me----

CARLYON.

What use can I possibly make of you?

ELIZABETH.

[_Continuing._] I have courage enough. When you were vexed with me yesterday, I went and walked in the cage there, among the eagles!

CARLYON.

To punish yourself? [_Grimly._] Well, I suppose they were asleep!

ELIZABETH.

I woke them! Oh, you can't trust her like me; and I will do anything, anything!

CARLYON.

Come, come, Elizabeth! [_Lifts her up._] That letter must come from Vera, and from no one else. [_A ring is heard at the front door._] And I am not anxious. It would want a miracle to unseat me now; and I don't suppose my fortune intends to desert me all of a sudden.

_Enter_ VERA _hurriedly_.

VERA.

Did you hear that bell? I am sure it is Dr. Rheinhardt; I knew his step on the gravel walk.

CARLYON.

It can't be Rheinhardt! Why, he is in Zurich. What is the matter with you?

VERA.

No. He came to Carlisle to the Medical Congress, but----

_Enter a_ SERVANT.

SERVANT.

Dr. Rheinhardt wishes to see you, sir, for a few minutes.

CARLYON.

What can he be coming here for? Show him in.

_Enter_ RHEINHARDT. ELIZABETH _goes to speak with the_ SERVANT, _and so exit with him_.

RHEINHARDT.

[_Addressing_ CARLYON _and ignoring_ VERA, _who looks anxiously at him and then turns away_.] I have come----

CARLYON.

Well, this is a surprise, Doctor. Where have you come from?

RHEINHARDT.

I have come merely for a few minutes, to ask if you know the address in India of Mr. Adene. I had it till he left Rajpoor; but since then a telegram has been returned to me.

CARLYON.

Adene's address? No; let me think.

VERA.

Yes; we can easily find him.

CARLYON.

[_Sharply turning._] You are wrong, Vera. You only know that old address. [_To_ RHEINHARDT.] I had one or two letters from him, but the people at Rajpoor whose address he used have lost sight of him.

RHEINHARDT.

Is there no person he has written to here?

VERA.

[_With an impulse._] Do you mean to go to him?

[RHEINHARDT _stands stiffly, taking no notice_.

CARLYON.

n.o.body. I believe he has a sister or something at Clifton.

RHEINHARDT.

Please give me her address and also the address of the people at Rajpoor.

CARLYON.