Carlyon Sahib Part 25

[_Impulsively._] Oh, father! could I go with him?

CARLYON.

With Rheinhardt to India? Good G.o.d, girl, it may come to that yet! [_He paces the room disturbed and angry, then turns upon her._] Then it was all wrong, what you've been telling me about those operations? You said it was impossible.

VERA.

It was, a few months ago.

CARLYON.

Do you mean that you think that Rheinhardt can do it?

VERA.

He never operates unless he is almost certain of success. Oh, how wonderful it would be!

CARLYON.

[_With fury._] Wonderful! Are you a perfect fool, Vera? [_Pause. He continues coldly._] You heard me speak of a telegram to be sent to-night?

VERA.

Yes.

CARLYON.

[_Watching her, taking from his pocket-book a sheet of notepaper._] It was this--to Adene; to return at once, as the operation can be performed.

VERA.

But you did not know then--you did not think it could be performed!

CARLYON.

[_Deliberately._] I thought it was impossible. [_Pause._

VERA.

I don't understand.---- Oh, Father, I can't believe it! I thought you had made up your mind to face all that might come. What you did in Bhojal was right; why are you afraid of his knowing it? Oh, you are not!

You are not a man who can be afraid! You are not; or why did you never speak of him all this time? Why did you never try to stop him?

CARLYON.

I gave the Bhojal Mountains the chance of stopping him first. And if they failed, then I had magic for him!

VERA.

Magic?

CARLYON.

The promise of a chance of life to a man slowly dying. [_Tapping the telegram._] I had only to send this, and he was bound to come home.

VERA.

Have you been waiting for him like a beast of prey all this time?

CARLYON.

[_With pa.s.sion._] No, it is he who is waiting for me like a beast of prey. Do you think I have not felt him there all these months? Do you suppose I have not made ready to strike him as he springs?

VERA.

I would never have sent such a telegram. [_Defiant, then instantaneously submissive._] It would be no good. He wouldn't come. He wouldn't even believe you--now!

CARLYON.

[_Coldly._] This telegram is signed by you, not by me. [_She comes up to him and looks at the telegram._] Are you calm enough to listen to reason?

VERA.

I can listen to anything you have got to say. But I would sooner murder him outright than this!

CARLYON.

It may very possibly come to that--especially after you have given Rheinhardt that address--against my wis.h.!.+

VERA.

You spoke of giving him a later address----

[_Her manner is cowed._

CARLYON.

You knew I did not wish it.

VERA.

Yes, I am sorry.

CARLYON.

You preferred to disobey me; perhaps you mean to disobey me now? I make no appeal because of my danger; I can defend myself without you--or even against you. [_Sits on settee._

VERA.