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diff --git a/37808-8.txt b/37808-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3706829 --- /dev/null +++ b/37808-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5084 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Carlyon Sahib, by Gilbert Murray + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Carlyon Sahib + +Author: Gilbert Murray + +Release Date: October 21, 2011 [EBook #37808] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CARLYON SAHIB *** + + + + +Produced by James Wright and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This +book was created from images of public domain material +made available by the University of Toronto Libraries +(http://link.library.utoronto.ca/booksonline/).) + + + + + + + + + +_CARLYON SAHIB_ + + + + +_BY THE SAME AUTHOR_ + + +UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME + +ANDROMACHE + +A Play in Three Acts + + +LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN +21 Bedford Street, W.C. + + + + +_CARLYON SAHIB_ + + +_A DRAMA_ + +_In Four Acts_ + + +_By_ + +_GILBERT MURRAY_ + + +_LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN_ + +_MDCCCC_ + + + + +_PREFATORY NOTE_ + + +_This play was written at Viareggio in 1893, and passed an eventful +though not unchequered existence for six years before it was produced by +Mrs. Patrick Campbell at the Princess of Wales' Theatre, Kennington, on +June 19, 1899. The version here published is not exactly that which was +acted, though it is much nearer to the acted version than to the +original play as it stood before I had the benefit of Mrs. Campbell's +vivid and helpful criticism._ + +_I may remark here that the Play never had the ghost of a glimmer of a +conscious political allusion in it; nor did it occur to me, when I put +my Napoleonic hero in the surroundings which seemed to give most scope +to his autocratic and unscrupulous genius, that any sane person would +suppose that I wished to attack the Indian Civil Service. The plays on +my bookshelves teem with villains of the most diverse professions, from +kings and clergymen--chiefly, I must confess, Roman Catholics or +Dissenters--to lawyers and journalists. I do not think I should chafe at +the appearance of a villanous Professor of Greek. And on the whole I +cannot help hoping that those of my critics and friends who adopted a +high patriotic tone against this play, will upon reflection be inclined +to agree that their imperial sensitiveness was a little overstrained._ + +_GILBERT MURRAY._ + + + + +_DRAMATIS PERSONĘ_ + + +THE RIGHT HON. SIR } _Sometime Chief Commissioner of Rajpor,_ +DAVID CARLYON } _and formerly Political Agent in Bhojāl._ + + +VERA CARLYON _His daughter: student of Medicine at Zurich._ +ELIZABETH _A friend, acting as housekeeper to the Carlyons._ +ADENE _A young writer on philological subjects._ +DR. RHEINHARDT _A medical professor at the University of Zurich._ +SELIM _A former servant of Sir David Carlyon._ + +A TRAINED NURSE +A MANSERVANT +A PUNKAH-BOY + +(CARLYON _is a man approaching sixty, strong, genial, eagle-eyed_; +ELIZABETH, _a nice-looking though slightly haggard elderly lady, with +white hair, very quiet in demeanour_; RHEINHARDT, _a short man with an +excitable manner and bristly iron-grey hair_.) + +_The First Three Acts take place in Carlyon's country house in England._ +_The Fourth Act in a bungalow in the Ghautgherry Hills, India._ + +_Carlyon is pronounced like the two words "car-lion," the accent being +on the_ i. _The Indian form Kaliena, has the_ i _long and accented, the +other syllables short_. + + + + +CARLYON SAHIB + + + + +THE FIRST ACT + + +SIR DAVID CARLYON'S _country house_; VERA'S _sitting-room. Window right, +behind window a curtain on a rod projecting into the room and forming a +recess. By window table strewn with books and papers. The books chiefly +foreign, with paper backs. On another table a very large birdcage +covered with a tablecloth. Doors in the left corner of the back wall, +and in the side wall, right._ + +ELIZABETH _discovered sitting in a large chair in the recess_. VERA +_holding an ophthalmoscope_. + +ELIZABETH. + +Am I sitting right, dear? + +VERA. + +Yes, that's it. Just the same as before. [_Drawing the curtain so as to +darken the recess._] Now, I must let the light fall full on your +eye--just for a minute. Don't wink. That's all; now you can go right +into the dark again, Elizabeth. [ELIZABETH _comes out rubbing her +eyes_.] I'm afraid it hurt; it is so kind of you! + +ELIZABETH. + +Not at all, dear. And it is all right as soon as I get into the dark +again. + +VERA. + +Should you like to see what the end of your optic nerve is like? There! +[_Showing plate in a book._ + +ELIZABETH. + +Dear me, Vera; is there anything wrong with me? + +VERA. + +Not a thing! That's a picture of a typical healthy eye. You are quite +uninteresting, you and Father both! + +ELIZABETH. + +I don't see how _his_ eyes can be uninteresting. + +VERA. + +From Dr. Rheinhardt's point of view, quite. Here are two abnormal ones. +See how different they are from yours. + +ELIZABETH. + +[_Without interest._] Yes, dear. [_Hesitating._] I was wondering---- + +VERA. + +You see the depression of that line? That man died insane in two years. +If ever one saw that, one would know---- [_Breaks off._] What did you +say? + +ELIZABETH. + +That poor bird: I wondered if I might feed him in here, where it's warm? + +VERA. + +[_Suspiciously._] What are you going to feed him with? + +ELIZABETH. + +[_Apologetically._] Well, you see, Vera, he is really ill. He won't eat +anything at all unless it's alive. + +VERA. + +Then you can't feed him in my room! + +ELIZABETH. + +Very well, dear. [_Goes and takes the great cage._] Do you know, Vera, +I think you are really a little unkind about my eagles. + +VERA. + +I can't think why father ever gave you such horrid things! + +ELIZABETH. + +I dare say I shouldn't care for them so much if he hadn't given them to +me. But really, Vera, they are such splendid great things, with their +fierce eyes---- + +VERA. + +Oh, their looks are magnificent; it's their habits! But I must get to +work again. + +[_Turns to the table and opens a book_; ELIZABETH _is moving towards the +door back, when enter_ SERVANT, U.L. + +SERVANT. + +If you please, ma'am, a gentleman asking for Sir David. + +ELIZABETH. + +Oh! + +[_Moving towards door_ R. _with evident wish to escape_. + +VERA. + +Don't run away, Elizabeth. + +ELIZABETH. + +I think I must, dear. [_Exit_ ELIZABETH. + +VERA. + +I cannot see any one till five. + +[ADENE _appears behind_ SERVANT _in doorway_. + +ADENE. + +I beg your pardon, Miss Carlyon, I only wanted to ask---- + +VERA. + +My father is not at home. Why, surely it isn't----? [_Rises._ + +ADENE. + +Yes, it is! + +VERA. + +Mr. Adene! How stupid of me! But you've changed a great deal! + +ADENE. + +I wrote to Sir David. Didn't he tell you? + +VERA. + +Father has been away for three days. No doubt I forwarded your letter to +him. + +ADENE. + +Without recognising the handwriting? [VERA _motions him to a chair and +sits_.] When will he be back? + +VERA. + +This afternoon. + +ADENE. + +I am glad. I want to ask him for some advice and some introductions. I'm +going to India. + +VERA. + +What! + +ADENE. + +The fact is, I feel rather run down, and I'm going to take a +holiday--with a little work to fill in spare moments. + +VERA. + +I know your idea of a holiday: twelve hours a day at a new subject +instead of ten at an old one! + +ADENE. + +I'm going to Rajpoor, your father's old province: and I want specially +to get up into the mountains, to the scene of his great exploits. + +VERA. + +To Bhojāl! You'll find that difficult. But why in the world are you +going? + +ADENE. + +You know I've been working for some years at Indian dialects? + +VERA. + +Yes; you sent us your book. Father said he couldn't imagine where you +had learnt all those languages. + +ADENE. + +Where? Why at "Stratford-atte-Bow!" [VERA _looks inquiringly_.] More +precisely at Limehouse. All nationalities come in course of time to +London Docks. But Bhojāli is my last acquisition--since my book. I came +across my Bhojāli by accident a year ago. And now I can talk pretty well +with him. + +VERA. + +Then, all the more, why go to Bhojāl? + +ADENE. + +Well, you see, it is history rather than philology that I have in mind +for the moment. + +VERA. + +Not the history of Bhojāl? + +ADENE. + +The history of the Indian Frontier--from the native's point of view! + +VERA. + +Do you mean an account of the various small wars? + +ADENE. + +Well, chiefly all that came before the wars; the intrigues, and the +motives---- + +VERA. + +Isn't it all in the Blue Books? + +ADENE. + +Of course, but the point is---- [_Pauses with a smile._ + +VERA. + +Don't be afraid! + +ADENE. + +If you take the Blue Books, the natives always seem to be in the first +place treacherous criminals---- + +VERA. + +Which savages often are. + +ADENE. + +And also insanely blind to their own interests; which even savages are +not! [VERA _laughs as if beaten_.] I know the English mind already; I +want to get inside the Bhojāli mind. + +VERA. + +It is like the programme of a Baboo Protection Society. I hope the +officials will like it. + +ADENE. + +I have thought of that. But I know too much of India to be even +suspected of thinking ill of the officials. And Sir David's +recommendation will soften them. + +VERA. + +"Please give bearer every facility for attacking the reputation of my +late colleagues;" is that it? + +ADENE. + +[_Rising._] I don't want to attack any one! Of course there may be +cases. If I met an actual instance of foul play on our part---- + +VERA. + +[_Mockingly._] "Foul play!" It is to be as bad as that? + +ADENE. + +I suppose even Englishmen have occasionally done wrong? + +VERA. + +And you go there expecting to find crimes committed by English officers? + +ADENE. + +In some cases, I am afraid--or if not crimes---- + +VERA. + +How considerate of you to begin with Bhojāl! + +ADENE. + +[_Sitting, in amused impatience._] Oh, let us start fair again! I begin +with Bhojāl because a certain Sir David Carlyon was the Political Agent +there, a gentleman who was afterwards Chief Commissioner of the province +of Rajpoor. + +VERA. + +Don't be ironical! + +ADENE. + +Everybody who has heard of India has heard of his marvellous power of +governing; also, everybody knows that if ever there was a war forced +upon us against our will, it was the war of the annexation of Bhojāl. + +VERA. + +And then? + +ADENE. + +Then, I want to begin my studies with the best possible instance. + +VERA. + +[_After fidgeting for a moment._] Well, it makes me somewhat impatient. +Suppose you do discover that in the summer of 1820 an English major +threw a bootjack at his syce? + +ADENE. + +Forcing an unjust war on a weak tribe is a different thing from +misdirecting a bootjack. + +VERA. + +How are you to know the war was unjust? The people who made it had full +knowledge. You come to judge them with very imperfect knowledge; and you +appeal to the public, which has no knowledge at all! + +ADENE. + +[_Shaking his head._] When I write a book there is no danger of its +appealing to the public. + +VERA. + +That is shirking! Besides, _I_ am the public and it _did_ appeal to me. + +ADENE. + +Let Sir David deal with me! He did more for the natives than I am likely +to ask. + +VERA. + +Agreed! But it's five o'clock. + +[_Goes from table to small book-case with books._ + +ADENE. + +[_Rising._] Let me help! Where does this go? + +[_Touching the ophthalmoscope._ + +VERA. + +That is very precious! [_Takes it and puts it down on table_ R.] But +I'll tell you one thing more. Father has made things harder for the +ordinary officials, especially for residents. It is practically +impossible to come up to his standard. A man who first conquered and +then ruled the most savage and turbulent tribes in India without ever +letting his lowest subordinate do an oppressive act, a man with that +extraordinary power of making others obey him---- + +[_She is now back again at the table and does not see_ CARLYON, _who +enters at this moment_. + +CARLYON. + +[_Genially._] Who is this paragon, Vera? + +VERA. + +Father! [_Goes to him._ + +CARLYON. + +[_Continuing._] Ah, Adene, you are most welcome! So you've taken my +answer for granted. That's right. + +ADENE. + +I thought I might venture. I have so little time before starting for +India. [_They shake hands._ + +CARLYON. + +You must give us all you can spare of it. It must be two years since we +were all at Rothesay. + +ADENE. + +Miss Carlyon actually did not know me. + +VERA. + +For the first instant! + +CARLYON. + +At any rate she has resumed the friendship where it was broken off. +Making you tidy her books, I see, and scolding you as you do it! + +[ADENE _continues putting the books away_. + +ADENE. + +I interrupted her; and worse, she took me for a champion of the Baboo! + +CARLYON. + +She never forgives an interruption. That is why I always have the +general tea in her room. By-the-bye, Vera, before I forget, you're to +give away the prizes at the Y.M.C.A. Shooting Club. + +VERA. + +Oh, Father, when? + +CARLYON. + +Thursday next: eleven A.M. It'll take most of the day. But what is this +about India and the black man? I heard noble sentiments as I came in. + +VERA. + +Mr. Adene says that he expects to find---- + +ADENE. + +That _if_ I find a British official guilty of unfair behaviour---- + +VERA. + +Foul play! + +ADENE. + +I shall report the action. + +VERA. + +Attack the man. + +ADENE. + +You have heard us both. + +VERA. + +I want you to make him feel the difficulties. + +ADENE. + +And I claim that you for one have conquered the very worst difficulties +without ever acquiescing in wrong to a native. + +CARLYON. + +[_Coolly; sitting down in chair by the tea-table._] Both of you wrong, +quite wrong. I never knew any real difficulties, and I often wrong +people--natives and others. What do you call a wrong? + +ADENE. + +Roughly, anything you wouldn't do to an Englishman in England. + +CARLYON. + +Any objection to murder, for instance? + +ADENE. + +[_Smiling._] Ah, but seriously, a general attitude---- + +CARLYON. + +I have condoned murders occasionally. On the whole I am not sure we have +enough of them. I have often wished to see a man knocked on the head +when nobody would do it. + +[_Turns chair facing_ ADENE. + +_Enter_ SERVANT _with tea, and exit again_. + +VERA. + +[_To_ ADENE, _laughing_.] Prepare to receive shocks! + +CARLYON. + +Oh, Adene knows of old how unregenerate I am. But I've said as much as +that to an interviewer! + +ADENE. + +There are certainly people I should like to see removed---- + +CARLYON. + +Well, I'll tell you. Once when I was at---- I wish somebody would give +me tea! Where's Elizabeth? + +VERA. + +[_To_ CARLYON, _taking possession of the tea-table_.] Be patient! [_To_ +ADENE.] Now you've done us a service. We can never make him talk about +himself. + +CARLYON. + +Well, I won't say where I was, it might implicate people; but there was +a poor fellow, a villager, there, called Natthu, who was in the power of +a money-lender. You know the sort of man? + +_Enter_ ELIZABETH, R., _with her left hand wrapped, negligently in a +handkerchief. She comes first up to the tea-table, and then retires to +the back of the room._ + +ADENE. + +The worst in the world! I admit occasional murdering may do them good. +[_Takes tea._ + +CARLYON. + +It wasn't the money-lender this time! It was a policeman. Natthu had a +wife and one daughter about twelve. Well, at last the money-lender was +going to carry off his standing corn. + +[ELIZABETH _comes forward so as to look at_ ADENE. VERA _beckons her to +come and pour out the tea. She declines and retires back again._ + +ADENE. + +Sheer ruin, of course. + +CARLYON. + +Starvation. Natthu was in despair, when the policeman came round one +night and offered to get the money-lender sent to prison if Natthu would +let him have his daughter, and he gave her. + +ADENE. + +But he had no power to get the man imprisoned? + +CARLYON. + +None in the world of course! In a few days down came the money-lender +to cut the corn, and the policeman with him to see no resistance was +made. Natthu reproached him; the policeman laughed, and said he could +now have the girl back if he liked! Thank you! [_Receiving tea, from_ +VERA. + +ADENE. + +The brute! + +CARLYON. + +Next day but one the brute was found in a ditch with his head off. And I +don't mind telling you I smuggled Natthu and his wife out of the +country. + +ADENE. + +He could hardly have been hanged. + +CARLYON. + +Possibly not. + +[VERA _offers_ ELIZABETH _tea; she comes and takes it and retires +again_. + +ADENE. + +Then why couldn't you let him take his trial? + +CARLYON. + +He'd have been murdered by the policeman's relations, and his wife with +him. They had a shot at me as it was. Now are you going to attack me? + +ADENE. + +I'm not sure. Couldn't you have had him tried first and then sent him +off? + +CARLYON. + +Too dangerous! And there were other reasons too. Anyhow I thought of it, +and determined I had better not. + +ADENE. + +I'm not clear that you were right. + +CARLYON. + +Well, they'll finish your education in Rajpoor. + +ADENE. + +I don't mean to stay in Rajpoor, it is too English. I want to get into +Upper Bhojāl among the hills. + +CARLYON. + +[_Looking hard at him, then turning a little towards_ ELIZABETH.] +Capital! Capital! My pet tribes! Yes, I wondered if you meant that in +your letter. + +ELIZABETH. + +[_Calmly, as though to herself and stating a fact._] You will never be +able to get there. + +VERA. + +Have you met my Aunt Elizabeth, Mr. Adene. [_To_ ELIZABETH.] Or am I to +say "Cousin"? + +ELIZABETH. + +Well, I'm only a second or third cousin at the best, dear. + +[_Comes down and shakes hands with_ ADENE _who rises_. + +ADENE. + +[_To_ ELIZABETH.] I have a Bhojāli acquaintance who will go with me. + +CARLYON. + +You realise the geography, do you? Lower Bhojāl of course, is British, +and part of the province of Rajpoor. + +ADENE. + +Annexed by you! Yes, that is where my man comes from. + +CARLYON. + +The Upper Country is almost inaccessible, and quite cut off from +communication. Koreb's rebels fled there. + +ADENE. + +My man has relations in the Upper Country. + +CARLYON. + +I shouldn't depend much on that. However, if you're only well disguised +and avoid speaking---- + +ADENE. + +I must _speak_! It is information I go for! + +CARLYON. + +Oh, it is not the place for information. They have no writings, and no +one village knows anything of another. + +ADENE. + +There must be local traditions, and if I question them---- + +CARLYON. + +If you question them they will shoot you. I knew an American killed +there for pressing a Bhojāli to tell his children's names. + +VERA. + +[_Coming across to him._] But, Father, you've travelled over all that +country yourself! + +ADENE. + +And unarmed, wasn't it? + +CARLYON. + +[_To_ VERA.] Yes, child, but it does not follow that another man can! +[_Turning to_ ADENE _with change of manner from proud to pleasant_.] +Perhaps you've not heard how they have shrines built to me there and +offer sacrifices to one of my old swords. + +ADENE. + +Yes, I know. Like Nicholson in the Mutiny. Had you to persecute your +worshippers as he did? + +CARLYON. + +No; froze the heresy by neglect. + +ADENE. + +Well, you will give me letters? + +CARLYON. + +[_Laughing._] Yes, of course I will, and tokens to the tribesmen too, +which will be more to the purpose. + +ADENE. + +Then I will risk the rest. + +CARLYON. + +Oh! The recklessness of youth! + +ADENE. + +Well, with your letters and tokens, when they had that devotion to +you---- + +CARLYON. + +[_Turning sharply._] Do you think it was from love they didn't touch me? +The account you will get of me there is not what you'll get at Exeter +Hall. + +ADENE. + +Surely it was at bottom because of your fairness, because you stood by +the weak? + +CARLYON. + +Much those savages care for that! It was not my fairness that saved me! +Do you know the Bhojāli song, "Said the tiger to Carlyon?" + +ELIZABETH. + +[_Above table_ L.] Will no one have some more tea? + +ADENE. + +I know a proverb--No thank you--about you. "He has no fear and his +justice is----" + +CARLYON. + +No, no, no! Not that absurd thing! + +VERA. + +You are quite right, Mr. Adene! He brought it on himself, pretending to +be such a reprobate: "His justice is the justice of a god." + +CARLYON. + +If people took there opinion of me from you, Vera. No, my song is a very +different thing: "Said the tiger to Carlyon as they hunted together: +'Let us kill no more. My hunger is dead and my limbs are weary.' And +Carlyon answered the tiger: 'Out of my body I will give thee hunger and +strength, for my hunger dies not and my limbs are never tired.' Said the +death-snake to Carlyon----" + +VERA. + +[_Rising and putting her arms round his neck and her hands over his +month from behind._] That's quite enough! We don't admire your song. + +ELIZABETH. + +Oh, you don't understand. + +CARLYON. + +It goes on to tell how the cobra had spent all its poison till I gave it +of the venom of my heart, and we all went on killing together. Upon my +word, it's what they believe of me! + +VERA. + +It was just a wild angry song of the rebels! + +ELIZABETH. + +Don't you see, child? The tiger was the noblest of beasts for them; +there was nothing else so royal and terrible. They meant that he was +nobler than the noblest! [_She speaks with quiet emotion._ + +CARLYON. + +Exactly! Exactly! And they happened to be fond of snakes, so they said I +was like one! [_Satirically._ + +ELIZABETH. + +Of course they only saw him as a deadly fighter; that was as much as +they could understand! They never dreamed of the heights and depths---- + +CARLYON. + +_You_ would have made me one of your invalid fowls, Elizabeth, wouldn't +you? Hullo, has one of them been biting you? + +[_Pointing to her hand in the handkerchief._ + +VERA. + +Why, Elizabeth! + +ELIZABETH. + +Oh, it's nothing at all. + +VERA. + +Let me see. [ELIZABETH _tries to put her off_.] No, I _will_ see! Why, +it is right to the bone both sides! That creature ought really---- + +ELIZABETH. + +[_With mild annoyance._] Dear me, Vera, it's really nothing at all! The +chicken I put in was frightened and lay still, so the poor fellow +wouldn't look at it. So I just put my hand in and was stirring the +chicken up---- + +CARLYON. + +And he swooped upon you! Go away at once, Elizabeth; and never say I'm +like those eagles again! + +[ADENE _opens the door for_ ELIZABETH. + +ELIZABETH. + +[_To_ VERA.] No, you shan't come with me, dear! I am quite ashamed, Mr. +Adene, to make such a fuss! + +ADENE. + +My dear lady, it is the absence of fuss that strikes me! [_Exit_ +ELIZABETH.] Well, if I had had my hand bitten right through by a +Himalayan eagle---- + +VERA. + +It's a frightful bite! + +CARLYON. + +[_Carelessly._] Oh, that's Elizabeth all over! It is true, though, in +the main, what she was saying. The thing those people care for is +fighting-power. They like a conqueror to enjoy his conquering, the +trampling and slaughtering and all the rest of it. + +ADENE. + +What did they make of your hospitals and your care for the wounded? + +CARLYON. + +Didn't like it! Too inconsistent altogether! + +VERA. + +In fact, Mr. Adene, if you want to be popular in Bhojāl, get a +certificate from a clergyman stating that you are a professional robber, +and have burnt alive all your female relations! + +ADENE. + +Well, you've rather staggered me. But I can't give up Bhojāl. It is my +work. + +CARLYON. + +[_Rises._] You young people and your work! I suppose I am growing +decrepit. I would sooner keep a whole skin than even know about the +dialects. It is to be the dialects? Or is it the history?--of Bhojāl. +[_Near_ ADENE. + +ADENE. + +History first. + +CARLYON. + +Ah well, there isn't any! So even the dialects are more important. +Forgive me, Adene! I am far from depreciating your work, but you're like +Vera. She thinks the world would stand still if a particular medical +treatise were not ready by November, and you---- Ah, I prefer to take +things easily! [_Goes towards door. To_ VERA _who follows him_.] Mr. +Adene may have letters to write. You'll ring when he wants to be shown +his room. + +[ADENE _rises. Exit_ CARLYON; VERA _goes with him to the door_. + +VERA. + +Shall I ring now? Post at six. + +ADENE. + +Not unless you wish to be rid of me. I suppose this is the medical +treatise? + +[_Pointing to MS. on table._ + +VERA. + +That is what he meant. It is only a thesis for my degree. + +ADENE. + +So you're at Zurich under my old friend Rheinhardt! I saw him in London, +by the way. + +VERA. + +Is he over in England? I wonder if he would come here? + +ADENE. + +Judging from what he said, he'd go to the North Pole if you asked him. + +VERA. + +[_With interest._] Did he speak of me? + +ADENE. + +Of almost nothing else--you and his enemy Steinmetz; but he forbade me +to repeat a word of it. Would you much like to know? + +VERA. + +Of course I should, immensely. But I'm not going to try and find out if +he doesn't want me to. + +ADENE. + +That's what he said you would say! [_Touching the MS._] When is it to be +sent in? + +VERA. + +I have only a month left, and look what I have to get through! [_Goes to +revolving case._ + +ADENE. + +You can't possibly read all these? + +[_Goes to her up_ R. + +VERA. + +I just glance through them. They are reports of foreign hospitals, and +I want to see if there is anything on my subjects. + +ADENE. + +[_Handling one of the volumes._] No index? + +VERA. + +No such concession to weak human nature! Hardly any headings and no +capital letters. It is only mechanical work, looking through them. I do +it at night when I am tired. + +ADENE. + +What is your subject? [_Picking up several volumes._] I'll do these for +you. + +VERA. + +You, Mr. Adene! Your time is ever so much too valuable! + +ADENE. + +I'm having holidays now, and this is just what I like. What is your +subject? + +VERA. + +No, I can't let you know! + +ADENE. + +If you don't tell me, I shall make a table of contents all through. + +VERA. + +I never knew anything so kind. It will take days! [_Rises._ + +ADENE. + +I've spent many happy weeks making indexes. What did you say the subject +was? + +VERA. + +The relation of the brain and the optic nerve, but any brain thing may +come in. + +ADENE. + +Diseases of the brain--very good. I'll have them all marked for you. + +VERA. + +Many, many thanks. [_He drops a book._] But you need not destroy the +ophthalmoscope. + +ADENE. + +What is it? + +VERA. + +My favourite toy! + +ADENE. + +How do you play with it? + +VERA. + +I examine everybody's eyes. I've tried all the eyes in the house, nearly +all in the village, and any others that would submit to be made victims +of. + +ADENE. + +[_Rises._] Here are two, if you will condescend to them. + +VERA. + +[_Goes up to window to ring bell._] Not now, though I should like to +look at you. You have read so much you ought to have something or other +the matter with you. [_Laughing._] The village children are all as +normal as ninepins. Now you must go and write. + +ADENE. + +[_Sitting in the chair by the curtain._] I must be paid beforehand for +all these catalogues. Now! + +VERA. + +No, you're frivolous! Well, you've taken the right chair. I can't ever +resist. + +[_She arranges the curtain, &c., while he talks._ + +ADENE. + +I begin to repent: it is so like a dentist's. Is it going to hurt? You +must tell me when to grip the arms of the chair and keep myself +violently still. Now what am I to do? + +VERA. + +Look at my finger and don't talk. [_Examines eyes. With sudden change of +expression and voice._] Now down! + +[ADENE _gets up as she puts the instrument down_. + +ADENE. + +Not the other too? I can bear it. Or wasn't I quiet enough? You seem +disappointed in me. + +[_Rises._ + +VERA. + +[_With forced gaiety._] No, no! There's nothing at all to see. You're +perfectly normal, ridiculously normal: not worth looking at! + +ADENE. + +[_Coming down to the table for books._] As bad as the children--and the +ninepins? + +_Enter_ SERVANT. + +VERA. + +Will you show Mr. Adene his room? [_Suddenly showing anxiety, and then +repressing it._] Oh, you mustn't take those books! Yes, keep them if you +like. + +ADENE. + +[_Taking the books over and laughing._] Would it be any improvement if I +cultivated a squint? + +[_Exeunt_ ADENE _and_ SERVANT R. + +[VERA _stands for a moment by the table, then covers her face with her +hands_. + +VERA. + +His eyes were like a child's eyes, and then that frightful thing! Heaven +help me! What am I to do? + + +END OF THE FIRST ACT + + + + +THE SECOND ACT + + +_The lawn of_ CARLYON'S _house. Wall of house at left and back; steps in +left back corner. A French window in the wall to the left. In front +right centre garden-seat with bushes behind, concealing seat from main +steps in the corner; to the right a garden with trees. Time. After +lunch._ + + _Enter down the big steps_ CARLYON, ADENE _and_ RHEINHARDT. + +CARLYON. + +Yes, it would be a grand undertaking. But upon my word your recklessness +is infectious. I give notice, "All recent remarks are against my better +judgment." + +ADENE. + +I'm so grateful for your encouragement, I don't mind what has brought it +about. + +CARLYON. + +I don't encourage you. The best I hope for is that they will only cut +off your ears. Bear witness, Dr. Rheinhardt, have I encouraged him? + +ADENE. + +Yes, hasn't he? + +RHEINHARDT. + +I comprehend this way his position. Primo, you cannot get into Bhojāl; +secundo, you can never come again out; tertio, there is nothing to be +learned there; conclusion, you had better try it! + +CARLYON. + +I admit the premises. + +ADENE. + +And I claim the conclusion! Were you going down the garden? + +CARLYON. + +I must just get my hat. + +ADENE. + +Let me fetch it for you. + +CARLYON. + +Nonsense, I am not reduced to that. + +[_Exit_ CARLYON _up big steps_ L. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Gott im Himmel! why do you offer to fetch that man's hat? + +ADENE. + +Fetch his hat? Oh, I'd do more than that for him! I think him a really +great man, you know. + +RHEINHARDT. + +There it comes. Gott im Himmel, there it comes. Your great men! Sit down +and do not excite yourself. You are much too excitable. + +ADENE. + +[_Sitting down._] Don't you feel something in his manner yourself? He is +so strong, and seems so confident that he is right in all he does; that +his word---- + +RHEINHARDT. + +Do I feel something in his manner? Yes, I feel great solid block +rudeness in his manner. He is confident he is right? Yes, when he is +very likely wrong! + +ADENE. + +But seriously, don't you feel that he is a big man, and a man who can do +whatever he means to do, however difficult? + +RHEINHARDT. + +Bah! and however bad. I do not like your great men; I am not a world +conqueror. I am just like other people, and I expect other people to be +just like me. I do not overcrush my fellow creatures. A fool contradicts +me, and I submit to the argumentation of that fool! [ADENE _tries to +speak, but_ RHEINHARDT _checks him with a gesture_.] A cow charges upon +me, and I run myself away from that cow; I do not say, "I, Rheinhardt, +am Almighty!" You say this Sir Carlyon is a great man; you will say +Steinmetz is a great man---- + +ADENE. + +No, I won't, I'll believe anything you like to tell me about Steinmetz. + +RHEINHARDT. + +You contradict me flatly when I speak! I tell you Steinmetz is an +arrogant man, a rash man, an ingenious man, a clumsy man. You show me +what you call his road-making experimentations! I tell you that I behold +so many miserable assassinates! If he is a great man, I am a great man +myself! + +_Re-enter_ CARLYON _with_ VERA, _her arm round his waist_, L. + +ADENE. + +I am sure you are. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Sir, you insult me! + +CARLYON. + +Here I am! Will you come too, Rheinhardt? + +RHEINHARDT. + +No, I will not! I will talk to my pupil. Go! + +[_Exeunt_ CARLYON _and_ ADENE _down garden right_. ELIZABETH _appears on +the steps, looking after_ CARLYON, _then withdraws again_. + +RHEINHARDT. + +So you see I have come. I started so soon as I got your letter. + +VERA. + +I am very, very grateful to you. I do so hope I may be wrong. + +RHEINHARDT. + +He does not show much sign of it. + +VERA. + +He has such self-command. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Not at all! He is irritable and contradicts me much. + +VERA. + +I had not noticed him irritable. He is sometimes depressed. + +RHEINHARDT. + +I tell you he is irritable. You must be careful not to excite him, not +to contradict him; bah, let little things pass! [_With a sweep of the +hand._ + +VERA. + +Then you think from what I have told you that it really is so? + +RHEINHARDT. + +How can I say? The evidences are much too small. Have you examined him +again? + +VERA. + +I managed it again yesterday. I think it's even clearer; of course I +can't be sure. + +RHEINHARDT. + +You have watched him in daily life? Yes? + +VERA. + +Of course. I have a good many notes for you to see. + +RHEINHARDT. + +He does not suspect anything? + +VERA. + +Nothing. He says he is overworked; but you would never know from himself +that he was at all ill. + +RHEINHARDT. + +That is right, of course he must not be told. + +VERA. + +It has no effect on a glioma, has it? For the patient to know? + +RHEINHARDT. + +What do _you_ know about gliomas? What do you know about any tumour on +the brain at all? + +VERA. + +I only asked. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Of course he must not know!---- You say his knowledge does not make the +glioma worse. No, but it makes the effects worse! It strikes the man +down; it is a moral paralysis, when he knows he has a mortal disease. +You say it does not bring death nearer? What do you call it if a man has +no spirit left in him, no courage, no interest in life? You say it is +not important---- + +VERA. + +Please, I never said so. + +RHEINHARDT. + +You contradict me flatly when I speak! I tell you it robs a man of all +that is living in him. It makes him at once half dead. + +VERA. + +Would even a very strong-minded man?---- + +RHEINHARDT. + +Hut! You have been reading Steinmetz. Is a strong-minded man immortal? +Will a strong-minded man stand up when I knock him with a +sledging-hammer down? There is no such person as Steinmetz's +strong-minded man. Take me in. [_Going to the door._] Show me your +notes! Most likely you were wrong from the beginning. + +[_During this speech re-enter_ CARLYON _and_ ADENE _from back_. VERA +_and_ RHEINHARDT _are by the steps_ L. + +ADENE. + +[_To_ CARLYON.] Well, I shall be in the library, and am ready whenever +you are. + +[_Goes off by the steps at the back._ + +CARLYON. + +What, doctor, is she upholding your vanquished opponents? Be severe with +her. She would be merciless to us for half such a crime! + +VERA. + +I'll be back in a moment, father. + +[_Exeunt_ VERA _and_, RHEINHARDT, RHEINHARDT _making impatient gestures +without answering_. VERA _kisses her hand to_ CARLYON. CARLYON _sits +down_ R., _but gets up again as_ ELIZABETH _comes in from the French +window_ L. + +CARLYON. + +Well, out with it! [ELIZABETH _looks surprised._] You've been following +me about for two days now, so I suppose there's some mystery coming. + +ELIZABETH. + +You sometimes speak as if I were no help to you at all! + +CARLYON. + +Do I? Well, I think I know what you are going to say this time. + +ELIZABETH. + +What? + +CARLYON. + +First that I was reckless the other day to talk as I did, and quote that +tiger song. + +ELIZABETH. + +Yes. + +CARLYON. + +Well, I wasn't. I knew what I was doing. + +ELIZABETH. + +That was not the chief thing. + +CARLYON. + +Next, that Adene, of all men in the world, must not be sent researching +in Bhojāl. + +ELIZABETH. + +Yes. + +CARLYON. + +And, thirdly, that there is a way of stopping him. + +ELIZABETH. + +You mean that he cares for Vera? [CARLYON _nods_.] That is just it! Do +not put too much on her. She is more than half in love with him, too. + +CARLYON. + +[_Rather irritably._] Oh, that's nonsense. + +ELIZABETH. + +Haven't you seen how she is always watching him? Her face clouds at once +if you speak of him suddenly; she has grown quite pensive. + +CARLYON. + +Why, she'd sooner buckle my shoes than have him at her feet! + +ELIZABETH. + +Oh, of course. I didn't mean as much as that. But I do wish you would +find some safer way. + +CARLYON. + +[_Ironically._] Explain matters to the present Rajpoor Government, eh? +H'm, well, now it's off your mind, Elizabeth. You must feel better? + +ELIZABETH. + +You _will_ be careful about her? + +CARLYON. + +I will tell her as much as ever she can bear! However, you have been of +some use this time. + +[_Rises; nods kindly to her. Enter_ VERA _by the steps_; ELIZABETH +_moves off towards the French window_. + +VERA. + +Where are you going, Elizabeth? + +ELIZABETH. + +Just to look at my birds. [_Exit_ ELIZABETH. + +CARLYON. + +Vera, I am going to confide in you. Will you help me? + +VERA. + +Oh, father, if you will only let me try! I have longed for you to try +me; but you never seemed to have any difficulties. + +CARLYON. + +As a soldier, you know! Absolute obedience! + +VERA. + +How could I ever disobey you? + +CARLYON. + +It is not really that. Only I have never felt sure that you were strong +enough. You have grown up in such seclusion, such entire ignorance of +the world. + +VERA. + +I have done men's work at the University. + +CARLYON. + +Students' work! A student is as ignorant as a woman. I doubt still if +the rude facts of life will not be too great a shock for you to face. + +VERA. + +Not with you, father. + +CARLYON. + +You know, Vera, a man's conscience and a woman's conscience are +different things. A man has greater difficulties to face, and must risk +doing greater wrongs, just as he is called upon to make greater +sacrifices for his duty--things that a woman knows nothing of. + +[_Takes_ VERA _to the seat_ L., _and brings a chair near her_. + +VERA. + +Don't say a woman, say a child! I know this, and I am ready for the +bigger life. It is the lesson you have always taught me. + +CARLYON. + +Have you learned it? + +VERA. + +I learned it when I learned to honour you. I always thought of you---- +may I say what I thought? + +CARLYON. + +Go on? + +VERA. + +Just what I always felt about the sea. It is so deep, so great, so far +beyond everything else, that though all the waste things of the world +are cast upon it, it takes no stain from them, it is always pure and +strong. I thought you were like that. + +CARLYON. + +You think in poetry, child. But I believe you know me. What I have to +say is this: You must prevent young Adene from going to Bhojāl. + +VERA. + +But I was glad he was going! And I thought he had convinced you he would +succeed. + +CARLYON. + +That is why he must not go. I have done things there which will never be +forgotten in Bhojāl, and which must never be known in England. + +VERA. + +I don't understand. You can't have done anything bad? + +CARLYON. + +Nothing that causes me remorse. Nothing that I would not do again. But +you know how these things are judged. + +VERA. + +I know the public might misunderstand; but Mr. Adene, he has travelled +so much---- + +CARLYON. + +Adene has the conscience of a child. + +VERA. + +[_As if involuntarily, with pain._] His eyes are just like a child's +eyes. + +CARLYON. + +[_Rises, walks away, and then turns._] I will not have Adene in his +study and the public in their arm chairs judging the desperate things I +did when I was face to face with death! + +VERA. + +Yes, I can see that. But tell me what it was. + +CARLYON. + +You know how I stand. I have already more influence in India than any +living man. And here--well, I am not free to speak of it yet; but if I +accept what is offered me, my power here will be very great. If this is +once known, good-bye to everything, here or there. + +VERA. + +It can be nothing that would bring you dishonour. + +CARLYON. + +Dishonour? Public infamy! + +VERA. + +I _know_ that what you did was not dishonourable. + +CARLYON. + +I will tell you the worst at once. + +[_He places the chair nearer her._ + +VERA. + +[_Forcing a smile._] I am not afraid. + +CARLYON. + +I believe you have enough knowledge of me, and enough courage, to see +that what I did was right. + +VERA. + +Thank you for trusting me, father. + +CARLYON. + +It was when I was in Koreb's town, almost alone, just before the war. +The place was full of his men; they came streaming in every day. + +VERA. + +It was in time of peace, was it? + +CARLYON. + +It was called peace, but we all knew what was coming. War would have +been better. A frank declaration of war was the one thing wanted; +but--[_watching her keenly_]--of course it was my duty to avoid war as +long as possible. + +VERA. + +[_Simply._] Of course. + +[CARLYON _seems about to speak angrily, but changes his mind_. + +CARLYON. + +I sent to Government for advice and Government advised--our waiting +patiently to have our throats cut. + +VERA. + +[_Shuddering._] Poor father, what did you do? + +CARLYON. + +[_Darkly._] You remember the little hospital I had there? + +VERA. + +Yes. + +CARLYON. + +I utilised my infectious cases. + +VERA. + +[_After a moment's pause._] What do you mean? + +CARLYON. + +You know the natives have no idea about infection and that sort of +thing. + +VERA. + +Of course. You used to have such trouble to get even the infected +clothes burnt. + +CARLYON. + +Exactly, in ordinary times. Well, at this time I didn't take so much +trouble, I took a little trouble the other way. + +VERA. + +But--What do you mean? What did you want? + +CARLYON. + +[_Harshly._] I wanted the tribes who were crowding round us to disperse. +And I knew that cholera would disperse them. + +VERA. + +Do you mean that you deliberately----? + +CARLYON. + +Don't trouble about the details. My servant Selim did most of it. There +was always a case or two of cholera in Bhojāl, and it's not hard to make +such things spread if you want to. + +VERA. + +I don't understand. What did you do? + +CARLYON. + +I poisoned the well. It only took ten days and the tribes began to +disperse. It was a regular panic. So we took our opportunity and cut our +way back to Rajpoor. I only lost two men; and Selim for a third. +[_Rising, with a sigh of relief._] Then the war broke out. + +VERA. + +[_Shuddering uneasily._] Of course you were right! But there was always +cholera there. It may not have come from anything you did. + +CARLYON. + +I don't know about that. [_Grimly._] I think Selim understood his +business. + +VERA. + +[_Shuddering again._] How horrible! But of course you were right. All +the women and children, too? + +CARLYON. + +Naturally; I couldn't isolate the non-combatants. There weren't very +many. I saved my own men. [_He pauses, takes a step or two_ L. _and +breaks out_.] I deceived the Government, disobeyed the Government, and +saved the whole of Rajpoor! I shut the war up in the Bhojāli country, +conquered Bhojāl, annexed half of it, and drove the rebellious element +beyond the frontier. + +VERA. + +[_Shuddering and cowed._] It was very horrible! + +CARLYON. + +Horrible! And what if Koreb had been let loose upon Rajpoor? If you had +ever seen the sacked villages and the torture stakes---- + +VERA. + +Oh I know, I know. I didn't mean anything _you_ did was horrible. + +CARLYON. + +[_With emotion._] If some chance, some supernatural stroke had done what +I did, there would be no horror at the sacrifice, there would be nothing +but hymns and thanksgivings. They all prayed to God that this might come +to pass! Who dares to blame me because I did the thing they prayed for? + +VERA. + +[_Rising, after a moment's silence._] But how will _his_ going do any +harm? Surely it is known already; the others knew it? + +CARLYON. + +No one but old Selim and I. [_With a curious smile._] And afterwards the +chief--Koreb. + +VERA. + +Koreb? How did he know? + +CARLYON. + +There must have been a rumour among his people, but somehow he knew +more. + +VERA. + +Didn't Koreb speak when he was taken prisoner? + +CARLYON. + +[_Looking at her._] Don't you remember what happened to him? He didn't +know how to write. + +VERA. + +Oh, they cut his tongue out--his own people! I remember. [_She +shudders._ + +CARLYON. + +[_Pacing the room._] There are many nasty things to rake up in the past +if we let Adene go. [VERA _silent_.] Can you stop him? + +VERA. + +I? + +CARLYON. + +You! + +VERA. + +I don't know. I don't see how I can. [_With horror._] Why, yes, I could! +But it would be--Oh, no, it would be too wicked! + +CARLYON. + +[_Coming to her._] What is it? Wouldn't he stay if you asked him? + +VERA. + +No, not unless---- + +CARLYON. + +Unless you promised to marry him! If that too much? + +VERA. + +Oh, no, no, no! That never entered my head. I could do that. I could do +anything myself, but---- + +CARLYON. + +Am I not first, after all? + +VERA. + +[_Not noticing what he says._] I tell you _I_ can do anything; but I +cannot sacrifice _him_! + +CARLYON. + +If you care for him so much---- + +VERA. + +[_Turning quickly._] I care nothing for him, nothing! Of course you are +first. I will do anything in the world for you---- only this is so +terrible! I can't tell him. + +CARLYON. + +Tell him! Of course you can't! + +VERA. + +Oh, not that! I did not mean that! + +CARLYON. + +Then what can't you tell him? + +VERA. + +I can't tell him that he's a dying man--that he has a mortal disease of +the brain. + +CARLYON. + +[_After a moment of silence._] There was never any one who could really +stand against me! How long do you give him? [_He sits down with an air +of relief._ + +VERA. + +It may be a long time. I can't say. + +CARLYON. + +I must have some idea; say what you think. Afterwards we can find some +one who knows. + +VERA. + +I think probably he will be blind in a year, and paralysed in two years, +and then---- + +CARLYON. + +Blind in a year, paralysed in two! + +VERA. + +But I may be utterly wrong; I know so little and I have only had a few +stolen opportunities of observing him. + +CARLYON. + +Have you told Rheinhardt? + +VERA. + +Yes, that is why I asked him here---- + +CARLYON. + +[_Observing that she is hurt._] A dying man can be as dangerous as +another. How can you stop him? + +VERA. + +By telling him. + +CARLYON. + +And he'll spend the rest of his life in getting doctored; yes. At any +rate he isn't likely to go travelling in Bhojāl. I should think he was a +brave man too. + +VERA. + +He won't be brave any more! Dr. Rheinhardt has told me all about it--it +crushes a man, breaks his nerve, takes away all his spirit. + +CARLYON. + +[_Who has not been listening to her--pacing the room again._] Yes, that +is evidently the plan. It is as simple as daylight. Poor fellow, he had +the makings of a fine man. + +VERA. + +Oh, don't pity him. I can't do it if you pity him. + +CARLYON. + +You're not going to give him his disease! + +VERA. + +No, but to tell him---- + +CARLYON. + +You'll have to tell your patients things. + +VERA. + +If there was any hope of curing him---- + +CARLYON. + +So there is! There _must_ be--_some_ hope, unless you send him off to +Bhojāl in ignorance. Then I agree there is none. [VERA _looks at him +with suspicion_.] It happens to be dangerous to me, certainly, but that +doesn't make it prudent for him. + +VERA. + +Father, don't try to make little of it. I will do what you ask; but I +must do it by breaking his spirit. I shall tell him suddenly, +brutally--so as to crush him once for all. Oh, how I shall loathe +myself! [_After a pause._] Only the last few months of his life! + +CARLYON. + +[_Coming up to her._] There speaks my brave girl again! What could he do +with that crippled life? And think of the long years that lie before +me--and you with me. + +[_He turns and walks a little way up the garden._ + +VERA. + +If it were any one but you! + +_Re-enter_ RHEINHARDT _down the steps; he sees_ VERA _but not_ CARLYON. + +RHEINHARDT. + +You were quite right, quite right! You have seen at a glance what it +would take weeks and weeks--Of course it was just a piece of luck; it +was not any skill--you have none. [_To_ CARLYON.] Ah, I did not see you! +I was talking of your daughter's work. + +CARLYON. + +[_Coming down to_ RHEINHARDT.] Ah, Dr. Rheinhardt, I know the sad piece +of work you are referring to. Is there no hope? + +RHEINHARDT. + +[_To_ VERA.] Did you speak hereof to another person? + +VERA. + +Only my father, Dr. Rheinhardt. + +RHEINHARDT. + +"Only"! "Only"! And you wish to be a doctor! + +CARLYON. + +Come, Doctor, you mustn't be hard upon her. I extorted the facts. + +RHEINHARDT. + +A professional secret cannot be extorted! Miss Carlyon has only one +apology: she is not yet even in name a physician, and has time to +reflect before she attempts it to become. + +CARLYON. + +Well, I will leave her to be scolded alone. It is worse before +witnesses! Unless you would care to say anything to me? + +RHEINHARDT. + +That is not my affair. + +[_Exit_ CARLYON, _with a sort of stern, humorous defiance_, L.] + +So it was an extortion, eh? A compulsion? + +VERA. + +Yes. + +RHEINHARDT. + +And now you are sorry for what you have done? eh? and you pray +forgiveness, and you will never do it again? + +VERA. + +No, I had to. I would always do the same. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Gott im Himmel! Then I blame you no more! If you can show courage to +Rheinhardt!--You may have had reasons. Well, well, I trust you. + +VERA. + +Don't do that. + +RHEINHARDT. + +I will put you to a test. Your conclusions are right, if your +observations are right. That is what I must see. + +VERA. + +Are _you_ going to tell him? + +RHEINHARDT. + +Tell him? Am I mad? And what is more, he must not know that you have +watched him. You understand? + +VERA. + +Oh, yes! [_She sits down, dispiritedly._ + +RHEINHARDT. + +This diagnosis, you are proud of it, eh? Well, we shall say nothing +about it. [VERA _nods_.] I will speak of his headaches; he will let me +treat them. Then I will watch! I will watch! + +VERA. + +You don't think--there couldn't be any chance of an operation? + +RHEINHARDT. + +Not the faintest! Not the ghost! Operation? Bah! it would be criminal, +it would be an assassinate! [_With a climax of contempt._] Ugh! it is +what Steinmetz would do! + +VERA. + +[_Rising._] Would Steinmetz try it? He is coming over here for the +Medical Congress. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Gott im Himmel! Would Steinmetz ever refuse an assassinate? He would +just kill him one year sooner, that is all. He is dying fast enough for +me. + +VERA. + +[_To herself._] Is it worth while to be so long dying? + +RHEINHARDT. + +Are you coming in? + +VERA. + +No, I want to sit out in the air. [_She sits again._ + +RHEINHARDT. + +Ah, then the thesis is finished: or is it given up? + +VERA. + +Doctor, don't be angry with me for little things, when there may come +great ones. [_Shakes his hand._] Just to show that you forgive me this +time for telling father. I expect some day you will never forgive me. +[RHEINHARDT _looks curiously at her, and exit_. VERA _waits motionless +for an instant, then rises with a hard laugh_.] Well, the sooner the +better. [_Going across to window back._] Mr. Adene! Mr. Adene! + +ADENE. + +[_From inside._] Miss Carlyon! Yes, I am coming at once. + +_Enter_ ELIZABETH _hurriedly from the house_. + +ELIZABETH. + +What is it? Why do you call him? + +VERA. + +I have something to say to him. + +ELIZABETH. + +Vera, Vera, have you thought well what you are doing? + +VERA. + +No, and I won't think! + +ELIZABETH. + +You must not betray your father! + +[_Holding her arm._ + +VERA. + +[_Throwing her off._] It is not my father I am betraying! + +ELIZABETH. + +[_Letting go._] Thank Heaven for that! Oh, child! put all your faith in +him, and, whatever you suffer, you will never be lonely or forsaken! + +[_Exit_ ELIZABETH, _as_ ADENE _appears on the steps, pen in hand_. + +ADENE. + +I have just been writing---- + +VERA. + +You are perfectly determined to go? + +ADENE. + +Of course. Why? + +VERA. + +Is there nothing you could think of that would turn you back? + +ADENE. + +No; especially now that your father approves. + +VERA. + +But will you go on to other places after Bhojāl? + +ADENE. + +Naturally. Why are you cross-examining me? I will confess everything. + +VERA. + +And if you find an Englishman who has done wrong ever so long ago to a +native, you will expose him? + +ADENE. + +Certainly, if I find any. + +VERA. + +Take a man who has left it all behind him . . . who was serving his +country in some high and difficult post? + +ADENE. + +I shall report anything I think ought to be known to the proper +authorities. I am not a police agent nor a spy; but I am a historian, +and I do not intend to hide things in order to oblige people! + +VERA. + +Peace and war the same? + +ADENE. + +Of course there is great latitude allowed in war, but---- + +VERA. + +[_Interrupting._] I know you will do harm! I wish you would wait and +think. . . . Wait for six months. + +ADENE. + +Six months!! + +VERA. + +You are doing evil work there! You are upsetting the work of +government. . . . It is all being reformed. You will be killed yourself +. . . . I shall never ask anything but this of you: only wait! Wait till +you can think it over! [_Comes a little to him._ + +ADENE. + +[_Mastering some impatience._] My dear Miss Carlyon. I have thought it +over long ago. You don't suppose I have worked for years towards this +scheme and never asked myself whether it was right? + +VERA. + +It is not too late to think again. + +ADENE. + +I cannot understand why you are so troubled. + +VERA. + +I have told you why. + +ADENE. + +You can't want to screen any one! + +VERA. + +Whom could I screen? I know no one but father. + +[_She moves a little away from him._ + +ADENE. + +[_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 Bhojāl 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 Bhojāl. 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 +Bhojāl 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 Bhojāl 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 Bhojālis 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 Bhojāl 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 +Bhojāli 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 Bhojālis 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 Bhojāl. 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 Bhojālee 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 Bhojālee 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 Bhojāl kukri. + +RHEINHARDT. + +[_Holding the knife up for the light to strike its edge._] Do they use +poisoned knives in Bhojāl? + +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 Bhojāl 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 Zürich, Universitätstrasse, hundert und +zwölf; 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. + +Defeat? Defeat? From him and his crazy natives? Who will believe their +story against mine? [_She is silent. A slight pause._] But suppose I +confess all. Suppose I stand up straight before all Englishmen and bid +them judge me: "Here I am: I have broken rules and treaties; I have +fought with all weapons; I have had no law nor conscience nor pity--for +your enemies! I am yours to chain or unchain; I am your fighting man, +your bloodhound, your leashed panther! Have you no use for me?" Do you +think, among all the swarming cowards that govern us, I shall not bring +a host to my side when I say that? + +VERA. + +[_Grave and calm._] This is like the madness that goes before a great +fall! + +CARLYON. + +His fall and yours!--when you try to turn and rend me, and are crushed! +[_Looking at her._] Before Heaven, I pity you! [_Turning away._] Give me +a fresh horse. + +VERA. + +What are you going to do? + +CARLYON. + +Do you expect another of my secrets? + +VERA. + +I will tell them to bring the horse. [_Exit_ VERA. + +[CARLYON _crosses_ R., _throws himself down again in the chair, in an +attitude of utter weariness, his hands over his eyes_. SELIM _during the +last words has stolen out from the trees and creeps towards_ CARLYON +_with the knife_. CARLYON _moves his hands from his eyes, sees_ SELIM'S +_shadow, and starts swiftly forward as_ SELIM _springs upon the chair +from behind. A brief struggle follows_, SELIM _shouting_, CARLYON +_silent_. CARLYON _gets the knife, flings_ SELIM _down off the stage_ +L., _pursues him for one instant to stab him finally, and returns. There +is a slight red scratch on_ CARLYON'S _forehead_. + +_Re-enter_ VERA _hurriedly_. + +VERA. + +Father, Father! Are you hurt? + +CARLYON. + +[_Furious, with the knife uplifted._] Did you mean it? Did you know he +was there? + +VERA. + +No, no! Oh, are you safe? + +[_Pause. He is trembling with excitement._ + +CARLYON. + +[_Exultantly._] Vera, Vera! Don't you see what has happened? Don't you +see it? I am saved. Koreb is mad. Adene has nothing but hearsay---- + +VERA. + +[_Shrinking back to coldness._] What do you mean? + +CARLYON. + +Don't you see that I've just killed Selim, and Selim was the one fatal +witness? Adene cannot hurt me now. It is only you. It is all simple for +you. You needn't kill him. You needn't say one word that is untrue. Only +say nothing, and I am safe. [_With increasing confidence._] You don't +answer! Think! You know in your heart you cannot conquer me. And if you +could, who would be the better for it? I tell you I am a man who has +never failed! [_He stops as if suddenly giddy; then continues in a +weaker voice._] I give you now the power of standing beside me. Do not +wait too long. Can any one else offer you half such a life? + +[_He clings for a moment to the pillar of the veranda for support._ + +VERA. + +[_Alarmed._] You are wounded! + +CARLYON. + +No, he never touched me. I tell you I killed him. Vera, Vera, why do you +try to stand against me? You love me more than that cripple, and I hold +the lives of both of you in my hand! + +[_Half lifting the knife._ + +VERA. + +Killing us will not help you! And I do not love you more than the truth. + +CARLYON. + +Truth! Barren truth about past facts that can do no jot or tittle of +good to any one! Is it for that you would try to blast my life? + +[_He puts his hand to his brow, drops the knife, and falls into the +chair._ + +VERA. + +[_Kneeling beside him, and calling._] Dr. Rheinhardt! Dr. Rheinhardt! +Quickly! [_To_ CARLYON.] No, stay where you are! + +[CARLYON _waits motionless, recovering himself._ + +_Enter_ RHEINHARDT. + +RHEINHARDT. + +[_Off._] What is it? [_Entering._] Your father! Wounded! + +VERA. + +Selim attacked him, but I can't understand why he is like this. + +RHEINHARDT. + +[_Hurrying up to_ CARLYON.] Let me see. + +CARLYON. + +[_Pushing him aside and rising cautiously, he speaks wanderingly but +without violence._] A little thing like that cannot hurt a man. My horse +is tired, terribly tired; you said you would give me one of yours. +[_Reeling again; moaning to himself._] You pitiful civilised crowds, I +want no more of you! You haven't beaten me, but you can't understand, +you can't obey! + +[_Moves unsteadily away towards the trees._ + +VERA. + +Where do you want to go? + +[_Tries to bring him back._ + +CARLYON. + +[_With a full return of his old manner._] Back beyond the frontier! To +the Bhojāl Mountains where the rebels went! I will go to the men who +know me and hate me, and worship my broken sword! + +VERA. + +[_To_ RHEINHARDT, _whispering_.] What can it be? + +CARLYON. + +[_Swaying as he stands, his hands to his brow._] If I could only see +with this blood in my eyes! [_Breaking out with an effort._] This time I +come as their friend, with a sword that is not broken. + +_Enter_ ADENE _followed by_ NURSE _from sick-room_. CARLYON _points at +him_. + +Go, marry your cripple, O you who might have been great! He is fit for a +half-bribed murderess and a coward! Great God, how I despise you all! +Oh, shall I kill you where you stand, or---- + +[_Reels and clutches the veranda post for support._ RHEINHARDT, _who has +watched closely all the time, and looked also at the things on the +table, starts forward_. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Ach, Himmel! the poisoned knife! + +CARLYON. + +You lie! It is only my eyes that are filled with blood. + +VERA. + +[_Running to him._] There is no blood in your eyes. Father! Father! + +[CARLYON _lifts the knife to his lips, tastes the edge, and drops it +with a gesture of despair_. + +CARLYON. + +Back! Don't touch me, and I shall not die yet! + +[ADENE _moves across to_ RHEINHARDT _and speaks with him_. + +RHEINHARDT. + +That is it! But what poison! He must be stopped! + +CARLYON. + +[_With a flash of his old manner as he moves off._] Out of my path, sir! +I am still Carlyon! + +[_He sweeps_ RHEINHARDT _aside, then falls_. RHEINHARDT _loosens +his collar_. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Fetch my case. [_Exit_ NURSE _to house_.] Bring that water. + +[VERA _brings it and supports_ CARLYON'S _head. They put it to his +lips._ + +VERA. + +[_To_ RHEINHARDT.] What? + +NURSE _re-enters with case_. + +RHEINHARDT. + +Ach! [_Throws up his hands, suggesting no hope._ + +[_The_ PUNKAH BOY _has during this slipped across the stage to the place +where_ CARLYON _dropped the knife_. VERA _and_ ADENE _gaze at one +another across the body_. + +NURSE. + +Ah, what is that boy doing? + +ADENE. + +He is kissing the knife that Carlyon threw away. + + +THE END. + + +Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. +London & Edinburgh + + + + +Transcriber's Notes:- + +Page 30 "Pointing to MSS. on table." changed to "Pointing to MS. on + table." + +Page 39 "Got im Himmel, there it comes." changed to "Gott im Himmel, there + it comes." + +Page 81 "if Steinmitz were to be right" changed to "if Steinmetz were to + be right" + +Page 88 "to Korob at Travancore." changed to "to Koreb at Travancore." + +Page 149 "an attidude of utter weariness," changed to "an attitude of + utter weariness," + +Other than obvious full stop omissions, original spelling and punctuation + retained. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Carlyon Sahib, by Gilbert Murray + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CARLYON SAHIB *** + +***** This file should be named 37808-8.txt or 37808-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/8/0/37808/ + +Produced by James Wright and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This +book was created from images of public domain material +made available by the University of Toronto Libraries +(http://link.library.utoronto.ca/booksonline/).) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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