Part 13 (1/2)

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 Bhojal.

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 Bhojal, and which must never be known in England.