Part 22 (2/2)

ERNEST

Hardly! You see, every one _knows_ the names of philanthropists....

Better let it go at ”scientists.”

JUDGE

He's right. Philanthropists don't give their lives, they give their names--have 'em carved in stone over their inst.i.tutes and libraries.

[_JOHN approaches and joins his guest._

ERNEST

Charming little farm you have here.

JOHN

Doctor Hamilton, America kills its big men with routine. You are too valuable to the nation to lose--the trustees think you need a year abroad.

ERNEST

That's strange, I came out here to suggest that very thing.... Somebody has been saying kind things about me in Paris. Just had a letter from the great Metchnikoff--wants me to come over and work in the Pasteur!

Chance of a lifetime!... You didn't have to jolly me up to consent to that!

JOHN

[_pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm_]

By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.

ERNEST

Best a.s.sistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male....

She's over there already. We can get right to work.

JOHN

She'll be back before you start.

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