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 _a.s.sents._] 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? [_Pa.s.sing 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?