Chapter II: Part 2

[_Goes to her._] Is it possible that it is my life you care for? I should never have dared to hope it. If it is really that, may I, when I come back----

VERA.

Will you go or will you stay?

ADENE.

I will take every possible care. My life never seemed so precious to me as it does now. If only when I return I may come to you----

VERA.

Will you go or will you stay?

ADENE.

You are unreasonable. [_Takes her hand._] Surely one must take the risks----

VERA.

[_Interrupting._] Leave go, leave go! You are mad! [_He recoils from her._] Your life may well seem precious; you have barely a year of it left!

ADENE.

What do you mean?

VERA.

I have watched you day by day. I saw it in your eyes with that glass. There are a dozen symptoms to make it as clear as daylight. You don't feel much yet, but you're going blind, you're going paralysed, you are dying slowly under my eyes. . . . [ADENE, _incredulous but horror-struck, grasps the back of the chair_.] Dr. Rheinhardt knows it. He has seen my notes and watched you. First blind, then paralysed, then dead! Now go if you can; cross the mountains and ruin good men by raking up their old wrongdoings.

ADENE.

It can't be true! [_Calling out._] Reinhardt, Rheinhardt! Here! Come at once!

RHEINHARDT _appears on the steps_ L.

RHEINHARDT.

Why, what in this world . . .

ADENE.

Is this true? Have you seen anything in me?----

RHEINHARDT.

Woman, woman! you have not told him?

ADENE.

Then it is true. Is there no chance for me?

RHEINHARDT.

My friend, your case is somewhat serious.

ADENE.

She says there is no hope; is a true? What is it?

RHEINHARDT.

[_Slowly._] There is much reason to fear that you may have what we call a glioma in the substance of the brain. But you need not yet be uneasy. You may live a considerable time.

ADENE.

Is there no operation possible?

RHEINHARDT.

None at all, none at all! It would be criminal at present.

ADENE.

How long shall I have the use of my faculties?

RHEINHARDT.

You may well live until some experimentation---- Yes, the subject is being much attended to.

ADENE.

Oh, Rheinhardt, you are my friend. How long can I calculate upon? Two months? One month?

RHEINHARDT.

Longer than that.

ADENE.

Six months? [RHEINHARDT _assents._] Then I must start at once. I can do most of it! [_Coming across to_ VERA.] Thank you. Miss Carlyon, for letting me know. Forgive me for what I said--what I tried to say. I did not, of course, know how painful it was. I shall always--I am privileged now, am I not?--I shall always love and honour you, and be grateful for the anxiety you showed to save me from what you thought a danger. But I shall be happier when I get to work.

VERA.

But you won't go? You won't go! Is it all for nothing?

ADENE.

Will work hurt me, Rheinhardt?

RHEINHARDT.

Far better work than not--if you can.

ADENE.

Oh, I can, sure enough. Miss Carlyon, may I----

VERA.

No, no! Go away from me and forget that you ever saw me. [_She falls on the settee, sobbing._

ADENE.

Good-bye, Rheinhardt. But you must have another look at me, to make certain.

RHEINHARDT.

Of course I must. [_Exit_ ADENE.] Ach, Gott! What a man! But he must break down. He must break down! Oh, if Steinmetz were to be right after all? [_Passing by_ VERA.] Ach! you miserable, you rotten-hearted girl!

END OF THE SECOND ACT.

THE THIRD ACT

_A sitting-room in_ CARLYON'S _house; time_, 10 _p.m. Doors left and right; also in right back corner opening into veranda with aviary_. ELIZABETH _is in the aviary crooning to her Himalayan eagles_; CARLYON _is writing_ L.C.; VERA, _with the_ British Medical Journal _in her hand, watches him rather anxiously till he ceases and begins to read over his letter, then she rises and comes up to him_.

VERA.

Are you busy, Father?

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.

Well, Elizabeth? [_Not looking up, absently._

ELIZABETH.

[_Standing above him._] Aren't you hard upon her? She did so love her medicine! And she has hardly any of her old light-heartedness left.

CARLYON.

She has got some, and I shall have to take that away. Do you know, Elizabeth, you were light-hearted once?

ELIZABETH.

But you won't make her like me?

CARLYON.

Precisely, except that she'll be cleverer. I suppose you are happy enough at the end of the process?

ELIZABETH.

Oh, _I_ am happy if only I can satisfy you. But she will never quite give herself up.

CARLYON.

Oh yes, she will! Why, already she follows without question every word I speak!

ELIZABETH.

[_Coming round in front of him._] Every spoken word, I should hope so! But what about your unspoken thoughts and feelings? Oh, you _know_ she will never be like me. Can you bring _her_ in from another room by wishing for her? Does _she_ come in smiling if you are glad, and sad if you are angry? [CARLYON _shrugs his shoulders_.] Has there ever been any one but me like that?

CARLYON.

[_With a laugh._] Well, Selim for one! And the late Khan of Bhojal for another! However, since you can read my feelings, do you know what is the matter with me to-night?

ELIZABETH.

No, I know that you are troubled.

CARLYON.

I have had letters from Rajpoor; that man Adene has come back across the frontier from Bhojal. And that's not all; read this. [_Gives her a letter._

ELIZABETH.

[_Reading._] Well, when once you let him go----

CARLYON.

A sick half-dying man like that--the chances were enormous against his ever returning.

ELIZABETH.

[_Reading._] What is all this long description of the man who has come back with him? "A huge one-armed Mahometan----"

CARLYON.

[_Repeating from memory._] "With a fixed glazed look as though he were seeing something horrible." Bah! that's enough. [_Takes letter._] And now he is on his way to Koreb at Travancore.

ELIZABETH.

What does it mean? I never knew what you did to Koreb.

CARLYON.

No, but _he_ does!

ELIZABETH.

How can you tell?

CARLYON.

I know the man who is with him. I do not forget that look.

ELIZABETH.

Oh! why won't you let _me_ help you?

CARLYON.

There is no difficulty. I'll have Adene back at once to be operated upon.

ELIZABETH.

Surely he knows that an operation is not possible?

CARLYON.

If Vera writes to him that it _is_ possible, he'll come!

ELIZABETH.

Vera? Oh, do take care! She might obey you in everything else, but you'll have to deceive her about him.

CARLYON.

I shall not deceive her. If she flinches, I shall tell her a little truth.

ELIZABETH.

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.

Nobody. 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.

I do not know the address at Clifton. At Rajpoor it is Stephen Bonsor, Esq.----

RHEINHARDT.

Bah! that is what I have. Have you a 'Bradshaw'? I will go to Clifton.

CARLYON.

But you can't mean to go to Clifton to-night?

RHEINHARDT.

If I can get a train!

[VERA _meantime has fetched him a 'Bradshaw,' which he puts down on the_ British Medical Journal.

[_Sarcastically._] I was not aware that Miss Carlyon any longer professed an interest in these studies!

[_He examines 'Bradshaw'_; VERA _does not reply, but joins_ CARLYON _down centre_.

CARLYON.

[_Apart, to_ VERA.] What made you think he was going himself? He may be only going to write.

VERA.

No, I am sure he is going!

CARLYON.

Why, the operation has never been attempted?

VERA.

Yes. That was what I wanted to show you just now. Steinmetz has done it four times, and killed the patient each time. The _Journal_ is indignant. He can hardly mean to try it! But he won't tell us; he wouldn't even speak to me!

CARLYON.

We'll soon see that! [_Approaching_ RHEINHARDT.] By the way, Doctor, I see that your old master, Steinmetz, has been very successful in performing that operation on the brain, that young Adene----

RHEINHARDT.

Steinmetz my master? Steinmetz was never my master! You call it successful, you call it Steinmetz's section? Very well, I do not complain! It is Steinmetz's section because he has cut open five people and killed four--[_Movement of_ VERA _and of_ CARLYON]--and he is my master because I have only cut open two and killed none! He is your great man.

VERA.

[_Excitedly._] You have done the operation yourself?

RHEINHARDT.

I only followed him; he showed the way. When have I said anything else? And if I do not kill my people it is because I have no originality, I am a plodder, a second-rate man! Bah! he is a bungler!

CARLYON.

Then you _are_ going to India to operate on Adene?

RHEINHARDT.

What does it matter--I am nobody--what I do? Good-night.

CARLYON.

Stop a moment. Vera has just reminded me that we have got a later address. If you are going to operate, or think it possible, we must telegraph to him to come back at once.

RHEINHARDT.

I will not telegraph. What can I promise him? "Come back and let me see if it will kill you to cut out a big bit out of your head!" I will go and find him.

VERA.

[_With a sheet of paper on which she has just been writing._] Look, Dr. Rheinhardt, this is the right address.

[_Gives it him._ CARLYON _frowns, with some surprise_; RHEINHARDT _hesitates, then takes it ungraciously_.

CARLYON.

I advise you to telegraph all the same. The climate of India will be very unfavourable for his recovery.

RHEINHARDT.

Climate? Bah! it has a hundred climates. I shall start to-morrow if there is a steamer. Good-night!

CARLYON.

But you will have to wait three hours for a train.

RHEINHARDT.

Well, there is a waiting-room.

[_Exit_ RHEINHARDT. VERA _is motionless for an instant, then starts after him_.

CARLYON.

[_Peremptorily._] Vera!

VERA.

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

CARLYON.

With Rheinhardt to India? Good God, 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 passion._] 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 wish!

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.

[_Passionately, on her knees to him._] How could I ever be against you? If anything happens I will die with you!

CARLYON.

There is no question of dying. And if you are ready to judge me and desert me on your first impulse, without caring to understand, it is just as well for me that there is not.

VERA.

Oh! I ought not to judge you! Father, I don't judge you. But make me understand.

CARLYON.

Did you think me right about the poisoning of the well?

VERA.

No, not at first. But I began quickly to see----

CARLYON.

Will you take that as a lesson to show you how to trust me? Vera, I am a man greater than other men. I see my way clearly. I shrink from nothing, and I strike hard. Another man cannot keep pace with me: he cannot criticise me: he must either stand out of my path, or follow me with perfect devotion.

VERA.

Yes, yes; I know. I always feel it. Only that is why I cannot hear you to be plotting. I want always to say what the Bhojalis said: "He has no fear, and his justice is the justice of a god."

CARLYON.

Do you know what they meant by the justice of a god? That is the very thing you dare not face. A god has his great ends which men know not of, and woe to the men or the nations that block those ends! And so it is with me. So it has been with all great rulers and conquerors of men. You cannot judge them, you cannot judge me, step by step, detail by detail. You need only know that ultimately, taken all in all, what I will is good, and I have never yet failed.

VERA.

[_Moved._] Oh, it is true; I always knew it.

CARLYON.

You want to think me purer and juster than other men? So I am. I have a high and clear standard, and never swerve from it without cause. I am merciful, because I have seldom needed to be cruel; I speak the truth, because I am seldom afraid. But, once or twice, here and there, when things were different, I have never been turned from my purpose by the mere nervous horror of a crime that most men feel; and where the first step led to a second and a third, I have gone on without flinching.

VERA.

I can understand you, father. You have broken ordinary laws, because you listened to higher laws. You have followed your own conscience.

CARLYON.

Conscience? I don't know what it means. I tell you I have seldom, very seldom, broken through what people call justice. But when I did--where other men would flinch and prevaricate, I lied and swore false oaths. Where they would connive at wrong occurring, I did the wrong with my own hands, and cleared away the evidence of it. My own people in Bhojal knew me; they told in their songs how I could give the tiger fresh hunger and the cobra poison; but they said too, "Best to be in the hand of God, next best in the hand of Kal[^y]ona Sahib."

VERA.

Yes, yes. I am bewildered, but I can see some great right and truth coming out through it all. You saved your own people and all Rajpoor. One man had gone mad with fear----

[_She is going over it, to convince herself._

CARLYON.

[_With swift contempt._] Do you think mere danger made me poison the Bhojali waters?

VERA.

You told me how it was. Any one who knew all would forgive you!

CARLYON.

Forgive me! I want no forgiveness! I did what I did because it was the right thing to do; not because I was afraid. [_She looks up bewildered._] I did it to make the Bhojalis rebel, and then to crush them.

VERA.

[_Aghast._] To make them rebel? You poisoned the water to make them----?

CARLYON.

Yes, and all fell out exactly as I meant. They were panicstricken, paralysed, stung to fury, all at one blow. And they struck when they were weak and I was strong!

VERA.

But you said--you said---- I can't believe it!

CARLYON.

Only one thing went wrong. I had too much power over Koreb. The man loved me like a dog, and somehow couldn't fight against me.

VERA.

I know. Oh, I know! Poor Koreb!

CARLYON.

[_His hand on her shoulder._] He fled from his own people and came to me. He was half crazy by that time, and went babbling like a fool right and left. I thought of having him shot. I thought of one thing after another. Selim was with me; and that night Selim fell upon him in his sleep, and made sure of his silence!

VERA.

[_Recoils in horror and puts her hand over her mouth._] You never----

CARLYON.

I never spoke a word, but my thought somehow drilled its way into his brain, and when I woke in the morning the thing was done.--Rouse yourself! You are the daughter of a man born for greatness, a man who does what others dream of! You love me, and you dare not disobey! [_She raises her eyes to his in a fascinated, half-stupefied way._] Read that letter!

VERA.

[_Utterly unnerved._] I can't read! What is it?

CARLYON.

Adene has come back from Bhojal. He is almost dying, but---- Do you see that?

VERA.

What is it?

CARLYON.

[_Taking the letter back and speaking in a tone of anger and fear._] Selim is with him!

VERA.

Then Selim can defend you, not I! [_He stops her as he is trying to rise._] Oh, let me go!

CARLYON.

Selim won't defend me! After that morning he knew too much. It was two nights later, in the jungle.--Are you listening?

VERA.

Yes. You murdered him too! What is it you want of me?

CARLYON.

No! The wretch knew what was in my mind. He dodged my stroke, and I only cut through his arm, and he went over, wounded, to the enemy.

VERA.

And now he has come back?

CARLYON.

Now this Adene has hunted him out, and they are going to Travancore to Koreb's prison.

VERA.

And am I to murder some one? Who is it?

CARLYON.

Vera, you are sobbing like a hysterical girl. Look things in the face! There is no question of murder.

VERA.

Oh! it is all murder! [_Gets up._] There is nothing but murder! You have done too much, and they are crowding from their graves against you. There is no escape--oh, thank God, there is no escape! Now I can forgive you everything; you have only to suffer and let them hunt you to death!

CARLYON.

[_Rising._] No escape? Is it Adene and two half mad natives you are afraid of?

VERA.

Oh, make me see that what you did was right! I shall believe everything. Only I am weak, and I can't bear it if you leave me without help.

CARLYON.

Vera take my hands--[_She does so._]--look me in the face. My cause was worth a war, and I made it. It claimed Koreb and Selim, and I sacrificed them. Am I now to prolong the life of one dying man that all the sacrifices of the past may be wasted? Do you see?

VERA.

Yes, I am stronger now. I don't care about the past. I will do what you bid me.

CARLYON.

Well, the first thing is to telegraph--[_He makes a slight pause: then deliberately_]--so that he shall come to England and miss Rheinhardt.

[_Throughout this scene_ CARLYON _has fixed his eyes on_ VERA, _controlling her with them, except for sudden outbreaks. Her manner gradually becomes submissive and dazed, as if she were answering each question in answer to the outside stimulus, without fully understanding what she said._

VERA.

Yes.

CARLYON.

Will that be enough?

VERA.

No! It is not safe. Other people here could operate.

CARLYON.

Then what do you advise?

VERA.

I must go with Dr. Rheinhardt to India.

CARLYON.

And then?

VERA.

[_Sweeping her other hand across her brow._] I won't say it. I never thought of it myself; it is only _your_ thought drilling itself into my brain!

CARLYON.

You can _help_ Rheinhardt when he operates.

VERA.

They will never let me help.

CARLYON.

Don't you see, if you go to India to nurse him, Rheinhardt will think you are in love with the man?

VERA.

[_Appealing for mercy._] I believe I was once---- Oh, Father! Father!

CARLYON.

[_Lets her go; moving towards door._] Think of it by yourself. [_Turning to her._] I leave you your full freedom! [_To himself._] I wish Elizabeth were here.

VERA.

Oh, don't leave me alone!

CARLYON.

[_Continuing, without regard to her appeal._] Think of it quietly! [_Exit_ CARLYON, R.

[VERA _follows_ CARLYON _towards the door, then runs to the window and puts her head out_.

_Enter_ ELIZABETH.

ELIZABETH.

Vera, my eagle is dead! [VERA _silent_.] I felt sure it was coming, he has been so changed these last days,--he has been afraid of things!

VERA.

[_Looking round for a moment, startled, as if she did not understand._] Oh, the eagle! [_Leans out again._

ELIZABETH.

Why, childie! Are you crying? What is the matter?

VERA.

Don't mind me, Elizabeth. I feel just like a child crying.

ELIZABETH.

You have been studying too much. That is it!

VERA.

No, I am only left alone.

ELIZABETH.

Why are you alone? You need not be, dear.

[_Goes up and offers_ VERA _her hand_.

VERA.

[_Reaching her hand back to_ ELIZABETH, _without looking in_.] Thank you, Elizabeth. You are kind to me. But you cannot be any good to me now.

ELIZABETH.

Very well, my dear. Only you will feel better if you trust somebody. It is always so.

VERA.

Who is there to trust? I mean to betray some one who trusts me.

ELIZABETH.

My dear, I think you had better come in from that window. [_Turns._] What can you see to keep you out there?

VERA.

Would you like to know? [ELIZABETH _shows increasing emotion during this speech of_ VERA'S.] I see a sort of wide bottomless sheet of water,--it is only the spread of moonlight, you know. A great wide sheet of water--down there--and there is some one drowning in it. I can see his two eyes looking up to me from the depths of it, and there are his hands somewhere reaching out to me for help; and, do you know what, Elizabeth? I shall reach down and down until I can grip them, and then I shall hold him under the water till he is cold and dead---- he is cold already. That is what I see. It isn't a cheerful thing, is it? And then,--I don't know what it will be then; but now I can only see the eyes: they are not really like a man's eyes, they are like a child's eyes full of pain, and--[_turns and looks at_ ELIZABETH]--so trusting and innocent, like a little child being murdered!

ELIZABETH.

[_With a shriek._] No, no! God help me! Not a child's eyes! Not you too! Oh, say you don't see them!

VERA.

[_Coming towards her._] Elizabeth! What is it? I have never seen you like this.

ELIZABETH.

Oh, tell me that you don't see them! It is only to try me. _I_ know they are there. I see them always. But not you. Not a child's eyes!

VERA.

It was only fancy. It was what I seemed to see in the moonlight on the mist. It meant nothing.

ELIZABETH.

Has he told you? Why did he do it? Tell me, has he told you? [_Turns and catches hold of_ VERA.

VERA.

Yes, he has--he has told me----

ELIZABETH.

And you are angry! You can't forgive him! Oh, Vera, you are wrong. Blame me if you like. I did love the child, but it was I who wished it. Every woman living would have wished it! [_Sits on settee._

VERA.

I don't understand. Why are you like this?

ELIZABETH.

I was stupid with weeping when he came that night, and he was so brave and strong. He never feared anything in his life. He called me "Poor child." "Poor child," he said, "do you know why you are unhappy? Because you dare not do the thing that your heart is praying for." . . . Then he took the child out with him and came back alone.

VERA.

What child? Was it his own child? [_Fiercely, starting towards her._]--Tell me, or I will kill you!--and were you its mother?

ELIZABETH.

I thought he had told you.

VERA.

When was it?

ELIZABETH.

Thirty-four--thirty-five years ago; before he went to India. I loved him long before your mother did.

VERA.

You say you loved the child. Didn't you hate him for it?

ELIZABETH.

Hate him? No. I was half mad, I think. I used to watch his face. If there had been a single shadow on it, I think I should have hated him. But he never changed. He was always untroubled, and his eyes were always true and fearless! Then I knew he could bear all my burdens, and I need fear nothing any more.

VERA.

Why did he not marry you?

ELIZABETH.

He told me from the first he would not. I don't suppose he loved me much; how could he? He was so far above me, so much stronger and wiser. I got all I wanted afterwards, when he let me come here and look after you.

VERA.

I don't understand you, Elizabeth. [_Vehemently._] Are you mad, and is it all untrue?

ELIZABETH.

The baby's eyes haunt me; I dare not look into deep water. But it is just this that has given me peace.

VERA.

Peace!

ELIZABETH.

It is the want of trust that makes life hard. You cannot be happy without perfect courage; and you cannot have courage without perfect strength. He has both; and they are yours if you trust him.

VERA.

Is it possible to trust any one? Suppose he did what you knew was wrong?

ELIZABETH.

How should I know it was wrong? When I have found a man who stands out above other men, who shrinks from nothing, who is true to himself----

VERA.

[_Shuddering._] But to murder a little thing like that!

ELIZABETH.

It was just the helplessness of the little thing that would have frightened another man. It must be very hard to murder a child. But neither strength nor helplessness can frighten him!

VERA.

[_After a pause._] And have you never doubted him?

ELIZABETH.

Vera, how could I doubt? Why, if I had doubted him then I should have hated him; if I doubted him now I should die! [VERA _shudders_.

VERA.

Shut out that ghastly moonlight! [ELIZABETH _rises and draws the curtain_. VERA _goes up to her, and they sit together_.] Let me come closer to you. Tell me it all again.

ELIZABETH.

Tell what again? Poor child, I have suffered all that you have, and more.

VERA.

Say again: "Your father betrayed me, murdered my child----"

ELIZABETH.

[_Interrupting._] No, he never betrayed me. He did an awful thing for my sake. He gave me peace.

VERA.

[_Looking at her._] If only one could trust like that!

ELIZABETH.

You can, childie. Think of him as always with you; try to feel him looking into your heart, commanding----

VERA.

[_Half frightened._] Will that do it? But I am always doing that! I can't help it!

ELIZABETH.

Then all this storm and suspicion will pass away, and you will be like me!

VERA.

[_Starting away from her._] Like you! No, not like you! I can't be! [ELIZABETH _rises and comes down to her_.] Oh, how did you blind yourself? Has he sucked your heart's blood and left you dead, with no will, no conscience, no power to think? [_With fury._] Oh, beat him back from you! Fight him! Fight him!

ELIZABETH.

Child, child! how could one fight him? You don't know what you say!

VERA.

With his own weapons. By lies, pitiless treachery! I have seen him afraid, Elizabeth! I have seen him afraid! [_Starting nervously._] Ah! there is his step. Don't let him come! Keep him from me, just for one moment, Elizabeth! If he speaks to me now I can't think. [_Running to the window._] Oh! here I can breathe!

[_She stays with her head out of the window as before._

_Enter_ CARLYON.

CARLYON.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Why is she there? What have you said?

ELIZABETH.

She is frightened! I thought you had told her.

CARLYON.

You told her _that_! [_Pause._] So much the better. If she understands one thing she will understand all. [_Cross_ L.] Well, Vera----

ELIZABETH.

[_Reaching across after him._] She understands nothing! Don't trust her!

[CARLYON _utterly disregarding_ ELIZABETH, _and walking up to_ VERA.

CARLYON.

You've had time to think. Is it to be the world or me?

VERA.

[_Turning and coming down to meet him._] I see it all clearly now, father, and I won't be afraid any more.

END OF THE THIRD ACT.

THE FOURTH ACT

_In front of a Bungalow in the Ghautgherry Hills; the Bungalow with its veranda occupies the left half of the stage; the rest is Compound, with thick trees at the right. A door in the centre of the veranda leads into the house; another, at the left, leads to_ ADENE'S _sick-room. In front, to the right_, ADENE _is reclining in a long Singapore chair with cushions. Just above him a table, covered with Bhojalee curiosities which have just been taken from a box. At the table is_ RHEINHARDT _seated, looking at the objects. Behind is_ SELIM, _an old native with one arm, dusting the veranda with a feather mop_.

ADENE _has a Bhojalee belt in his hands, with empty sheath_; RHEINHARDT _has the knife, and is examining it closely_.

ADENE.

The belt is said to have been Koreb's own. There is nothing particular about the knife--an ordinary Bhojal kukri.

RHEINHARDT.

[_Holding the knife up for the light to strike its edge._] Do they use poisoned knives in Bhojal?

ADENE.

They have the secret; but I never heard of its being used in war, except in the last war, against us. [_He sits up and reaches for the knife, which_ RHEINHARDT _gives_.] Do you see anything that looks like poison?

RHEINHARDT.

Come, come! [_Presses him down in the chair._] If I let you come outside the veranda, you must be content to lie still.--Selim, two pegs lower. [_Holds up two fingers._] And the cushions. [_To_ ADENE, _as_ SELIM _nods his understanding_.] I never know how much that man understands.

[SELIM _lowers the back of the chair, and rearranges the cushions tenderly and skilfully. A bell is heard, off._

ADENE.

Oh, he understands most things. [_Exit_ SELIM _up_ C.] You see, Carlyon's methods at that time had turned them into perfect fiends! [RHEINHARDT _looks sharply up_.] Well, infected them, we'll say, with the Carlyon spirit. [RHEINHARDT _continues to look disapprovingly at_ ADENE.] Look here, Rheinhardt, do you think this is a delusion of mine about Carlyon?

RHEINHARDT.

No.

ADENE.

Then why do you look hurt whenever I refer to the things that I know about him?

RHEINHARDT.

Sir Carlyon may be the Devil himself; I have in him no interest. It is only the children of the Devil that I am sorry for.

ADENE.

[_With sudden constraint._] I have never said a word affecting Miss Carlyon.

RHEINHARDT.

Nor thought a word, eh?

ADENE.

I have no material for thinking about her, one way or the other.

_Re-enter_ SELIM _with letters_.

RHEINHARDT.

I will give you material!

SELIM.

[_Interrupting and laying letters on table in front of_ RHEINHARDT.] Post!

RHEINHARDT.

[_Taking the letters, while_ ADENE _sits up and looks at them_.] No, you do not open your letters yet!

ADENE.

Goodness knows I don't want to; unless there is one from my sister----

RHEINHARDT.

[_Reading the addresses._] "An den Herrn Professor Rheinhardt, M.D., Ph.D." "Dr. Rheinhardt." [_Stopping and looking again._] Ach! no. "_Miss_ Rheinhardt." It is for my assistant. [_To_ SELIM.] Here; for the Mem-sahib!

ADENE.

That is Carlyon's handwriting! [_Rises._

[SELIM, _who has just reached the door, turns suddenly and drops the letter with signs of fear_. ADENE _crosses towards him_.

SELIM.

Kal[^y]ona Sahib! [_Stands shrinking from the letter._

RHEINHARDT.

What matters it to you whose letter it is? Take it!

SELIM.

[_In terror, catching_ ADENE'S _arm_.] Ai! ai! Sahib.

[_Draws_ ADENE _into the doorway and whispers to him._

ADENE.

Yes, yes, I know; but don't be afraid. [_To_ RHEINHARDT.] It is no good; he won't touch that letter!

RHEINHARDT.

Won't touch it? Very well, he shall not touch it. [_Takes a plate from among the curiosities on the table and puts letter upon it._] There; take it on this. [_Exit_ SELIM _with plate_.] And you, come back! [ADENE _comes down again to his chair and sits thinking_. RHEINHARDT _continues_.] Gott in Himmel! so long as it does not touch his skin, so long it is all right.

[_Laughing._

ADENE.

Rheinhardt, who _is_ this assistant of yours, whom I never see?

RHEINHARDT.

Who my assistant is?--she was a pupil of mine.

ADENE.

If you would allow it, I would like to see her.

RHEINHARDT.

[_After a pause._] Very well; I also wish you to see her. But [_deliberately_] you have at present no material for thinking about her--one way or the other. [ADENE _starts_.] I will give you some. When first I heard of Steinmetz's experimentations, and saw his mistakes, I said, "If I had the right assistant, I could save Adene." But I had him not. I wanted--ah, so many things! You will not understand: a doctor who should be also a nurse, who should know my ways--and more. There was just one person, but she was just the one person I could not ask. No. I was too angry.

ADENE.

Then how did she come?

RHEINHARDT.

She came to me herself, suddenly, in London, just as I am starting. She was all pale, with her eyes--she had had some great struggle.

ADENE.

Her father!

RHEINHARDT.

[_Waving down the interruption._] I know not what it was, but it was something. And when she entered at the door, I said, "Here it is come at last; he will be saved!" And he is! [_Rises._] There is your material for thinking! And if you do not know what she is, all the time you are unconscious, all the time you are in the dark, there are others who do. [_Warming up._] There are others who----

ADENE.

Oh, Rheinhardt, let me see her!

RHEINHARDT.

[_Sharply._] You do not deserve to see her. [_With resignation._] Bah! what does it matter? I will send her to you. [_At door._] Old Rheinhardt has his work. [_Exit_ RHEINHARDT, _up_.

[ADENE _walks to and fro, thinking_.

_Enter_ SELIM, _and approaches_ ADENE, _who turns away from him, saying_:

ADENE.

Not now, Selim.

[SELIM _turns back and is going off when his eye rests on the knife; he hovers over it, but draws back as_ ADENE _turns, and exit_.

VOICE OF RHEINHARDT INSIDE THE HOUSE.

There! He is on the veranda.

[ADENE _goes up to door_ (C.) _with hands outstretched; to him enter_ VERA _and takes both his hands_.

ADENE.

It is really you! [_Leads her down._] And you have been by me all this time?

VERA.

[_With attempted lightness._] It did seem rather absurd, didn't it? to keep me away from you, when we were such old friends.

ADENE.

Friends! [_Earnestly._] All the way out to Bhojal there were two thoughts with me always: "I love Vera Carlyon; I am presently going to die." I had nothing to give; only a little broken end of life. But I said, "That at least shall be hers. I will work for her these last months; I will pile up my little monument to her father's greatness, and die building it."

VERA.

Go on! You found it was the monument of his shame!

ADENE.

No, no! Not shame: greatness, but greatness so terribly dashed----

VERA.

You can still say that? Oh, thank you, thank you!

ADENE.

Oh, Vera--when the first shock of my discoveries came, it almost maddened me. I mistrusted every one!

VERA.

I know. I have been through that.

ADENE.

Vera, I mistrusted _you_! [VERA _shrinks_.] I thought you knew the whole story and tried to screen him.

VERA.

No, not all! Not all!

[_Murmuring to herself, so as scarcely to break his speech._

ADENE.

I gnashed my teeth inwardly and raged against you. [VERA _draws back from him, shrinking_.] You can't forgive me?

VERA.

I have nothing to forgive.

ADENE.

You see what must come! I shall try to be just to your father--to spare him; but what good will it be? I shall wound you past all healing! [_Breaking off._] Oh, why could not this have come to some one who did not love you? Or at least to some strong man, who could bear it and go his ways? I, Heaven help me, am a broken, crippled man; I could never ask for your love as an equal, never hope to make you my wife. [_Passionately._] But some little corner of your love I must have----

VERA.

[_Kneeling down by his chair, bending slightly over him._] Oh, dearest, dearest, you are ill and talking wildly! The wound in me is past healing; but it is _he_, not you, that struck it. How could _I_ ask you to spare him? I am bound up as one with him. And I claim now that we shall have our punishment! Dearest, what you thought of me in your anger was the truth! I did plot to screen him and keep you back. I tried that day to strike you with despair--to break down your spirit, to----

ADENE.

But you didn't know what he had done! You can't have known.

VERA.

No, I didn't know that, and I didn't know your courage. It was high above our reach, and we could not break it.--_You_ not a strong man! _You_ to ask for a corner of my love! It is yours all, long ago. It is thrown at your feet for you to gather as you will! [_Throws herself down before him._] The love of one who wronged you, who plotted against you, who was sent here now to---- [_Breaking off with a paroxysm of self-abasement._] Oh, _he_, _he_, who knew me, could think I would do that!

ADENE.

Sent? Did he send you to me? To do what?

[_Preparing to rise._

VERA.

I can't tell you. I have not done it. I have saved you from him.

[ADENE _has risen, and stands sternly thinking_. VERA _is huddled up at his feet, her face hidden in her hands. After a pause, he looks down at her, and changes from stern anger to tenderness._

ADENE.

My poor, poor love, let us forget him! [_Sitting and raising her._] Just for a little, forget him altogether.

VERA.

[_Startled--clutching the letter in her bosom and raising her head._] You have nearly made me forget everything! [_Rising, smiling through her tears._] Forget my first business! _I_ can't afford to break down and let myself be comforted, like another woman!

ADENE.

Why not? [_Tries to detain her._

VOICE OF RHEINHARDT INSIDE THE HOUSE.

Not back yet? It is quite dark. Bring the lamps. And set the punkah going again.

VERA.

No, no; you are my patient. You mustn't comfort me. You are my sick child.

_Enter_ RHEINHARDT.

RHEINHARDT.

[_At door._] Hut!--Bah! [_Running forward and seizing_ ADENE'S _pulse_.] Gott im Himmel! take him in! Take him in! He lies down flat, straight, this moment, just as he is! [_To_ VERA.] No, not you! Here, Nurse! Take him in. [_Calling._

VERA.

[_As_ RHEINHARDT _leads_ ADENE _off, after a moment of thought_.] Come back to me afterwards, Doctor. I want to speak to you.

[_Exeunt_ RHEINHARDT _and_ ADENE _into the sick-room, the_ NURSE _appearing at_ ADENE'S _door_.

_Enter_ PUNKAH BOY, _and sits in corner_ R., _working punkah_.

_Enter_ SELIM _with a lamp_. VERA _makes room for it on the table among the curios, then begins to put the curios into their box_.

[_Exit_ SELIM.

_Re-enter_ RHEINHARDT.

VERA.

[_While_ RHEINHARDT _is still at the door_.] I have been so foolish! Have I done him any real harm?

RHEINHARDT.

Harm? No; it had to come, one way or another. So long as he sleeps!----

VERA.

I have heard from my father. He is coming here.

_Re-enter_ SELIM _with second lamp_.

RHEINHARDT.

Sir Carlyon coming here? When, does he say?

[SELIM _notices and trembles_.

VERA.

[_Looking at letter._] As far as I can judge, he might come to-night. [SELIM, _listening acutely, trembles violently, clutches the poisoned knife which is still lying on the table, and glides off rapidly into the trees_.] That is, if he rides from Johilcund, as he says he will.

RHEINHARDT.

_Ride_ from Johilcund! Gott in Himmel! Let me look. [VERA _gives him the letter_.] From Bombay. [_Looking at the envelope._] Nineteenth, twentieth. Ah, yes. He ought to get here to-morrow midday.

VERA.

[_With constraint._] Has Mr. Adene said anything to you about him?

RHEINHARDT.

[_Same manner._] Yes. [_Their eyes meet and then avoid each other._] There is no need for them to meet. [_Slight pause._] And you--you have said all your say with Mr. Adene?

VERA.

Yes.

RHEINHARDT.

He is a good man. Yes, he is a brave fellow. That is settled. And old Rheinhardt will go back to Zuerich, Universitaetstrasse, hundert und zwoelf; and will grow fat; and will write fat, fat books!

VERA.

[_Tenderly, going up to him._] And save more people's lives, and make more pupils love him.

RHEINHARDT.

Ach! you say that? We have had a happy time here, we two; two good companions--_nicht so?_ And it is over. Bah!--it will be there to think about, in the nights, when it is warm and still like this--and I smoke!

VERA.

Isn't it wonderfully still? You can hear every sound. Hark! there is some one riding on the road.

[_They listen together for a moment. Then_ RHEINHARDT _looks at her and says abruptly_:

RHEINHARDT.

Good-night! [_Exit_ RHEINHARDT, _up_.

VERA.

Good-night!

[_She waits listening to the horse hoofs, which are heard more and more distinctly; then comes the sound of a man dismounting on a stone floor._ VERA _turns to_ PUNKAH BOY, _who is wide awake and listening, and makes a sign to him. He runs back_ L., _and immediately returns, crying, "Kal[^y]ona Sahib." Excited whispers of the name are heard, off; then_ CARLYON'S _voice speaking to the servants in Hindustani_.

_Enter_ CARLYON, _from_ L. _back round the house_.

CARLYON.

[_Coming forward impulsively._] Vera, it gives me fresh life to see your face! [_Kisses her, then throws himself into the chair. She stands helpless, having stifled her first impulse to run forward and greet him._] Great Heavens, how tired I am! I have ridden fifty miles since midday. [_Throwing himself back and stretching his arms out._] Ah, I suppose I should not have thought much of it once!

VERA.

[_Constrainedly._] Why have you come?

CARLYON.

I thought your heart might fail you. You were all alone.

VERA.

You thought I had been long?

CARLYON.

I was anxious at not hearing from you. I knew it was a heavy burden for you, and I came to help. Did you need help?

VERA.

None.

[_Pause._ CARLYON _gets up and walks a little way, then turns._

CARLYON.

Then why is it not done?

VERA.

It is done--almost all.

CARLYON.

It is? Oh, thank God! I was so tired! I felt this man as a terror hanging over me. I seemed like an old man just now, for the first time. [_Pause; he walks again, then looks at her closely._] You are pale. He is not actually dead?

VERA.

No, he is not dead.

CARLYON.

You do not like to speak of it? Never mind.--Vera, you have been a good and brave daughter to me. You have given me rest, the first time in my life I have ever needed it.

VERA.

There is no rest for you here.

[_She stands leaning backward slightly against the wall, and speaks with effort, throwing the lamplight full on his face._

CARLYON.

What do you mean? [_Putting up his hand._] Turn off that light from my eyes!

VERA.

You must face more light than this. I have not helped you. There is no rest for you here, no rest anywhere that I know of.

CARLYON.

You are not failing me after all?

VERA.

I have watched him till he is almost safe. If you want him to die now you must kill him outright--by force.

CARLYON.

Vera, you have mistrusted me.

VERA.

[_Passionately._] No. I have betrayed you! Can't you ever see it? I have turned against you, and you are beaten! You have told me everything. I alone----

CARLYON.

_You_ daren't lift your voice! I don't fear that.

VERA.

There are proofs enough without me! And witnesses; Selim first----

CARLYON.

[_As if stung._] Be quiet! Let me think. [_Pause._] To think that _you_ should have done it! To think of the vermin I have trusted before, and none of them ever betrayed me!

VERA.

No; _you_ betrayed _them_! Oh, it is their blind faith that has made you so pitilessly false!

CARLYON.

To trust _you_--it was like trusting myself!

VERA.

[_With a bitter laugh._] It was! It was! It was like trusting Judas! [_A pause._] Was I to be a Koreb, mad and heartbroken in prison? Or like Elizabeth, who has lost her very soul, and cannot see that there is any human being in the world but you?

CARLYON.

[_With a scornful laugh._] But _you_ can? Is that it? Good God! to think a wretched instinct like that should master you! To betray _me_ for a chance lover!

VERA.

It was just the opposite. If I had not half-consciously loved him you could never have deluded me. I wanted to stifle my heart, and I all but stifled my conscience with it.

CARLYON.

When did you change? How long have you meant this?

VERA.

I have not changed. I meant it ever since that night, when Elizabeth--[_breaks off_]--when I saw that to trust in you was to go mad!

CARLYON.

And you have been lying to me all this time!

VERA.

Were you to come at him with your poisoned daggers, and I not shield him with as much as a lie? [_Checking herself._] Oh, Father, I did not mean to be like this to you! Father, he is not your enemy any more than I. He will spare you in every way----

CARLYON.

Do you mean he will not press to have me hanged? [_She shakes her head._] You spare me that? [_With fury._] I am not to be killed, after all your hunting? Only maimed and branded and left for stray dogs to tear? I am to "live it down," am I?--crawl on through a weary, interminable life----

VERA.

It can be as short as you will. I will wait and bear the shame for you.

CARLYON.

Suicide, is it? [_With a short laugh._] No, I won't do that for you. The thought of it gives me all my natural spirit again.

VERA.

Yon cannot be afraid of that too?

CARLYON.

Afraid? No. But I have not finished living. Do you think I am an old man? There is as much blood and muscle in my arms as there ever was. I feel life leaping in every limb. I won't kill myself. No! nor let another man kill me! And I won't bear that penance either. There are other places besides England and British India.

VERA.

Oh, why do you rage like this? Can you not face your hour when it comes, take your defeat, like a strong man, steadily?

CARLYON.