Part 17 (1/2)

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.]