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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.
