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VERA.
My favourite toy!
ADENE.
How do you play with it?
VERA.
I examine everybody's eyes. I've tried all the eyes in the house, nearly all in the village, and any others that would submit to be made victims of.
ADENE.
[_Rises._] Here are two, if you will condescend to them.
VERA.
[_Goes up to window to ring bell._] Not now, though I should like to look at you. You have read so much you ought to have something or other the matter with you. [_Laughing._] The village children are all as normal as ninepins. Now you must go and write.
ADENE.
[_Sitting in the chair by the curtain._] I must be paid beforehand for all these catalogues. Now!
VERA.
No, you're frivolous! Well, you've taken the right chair. I can't ever resist.
[_She arranges the curtain, &c., while he talks._
ADENE.
I begin to repent: it is so like a dentist's. Is it going to hurt? You must tell me when to grip the arms of the chair and keep myself violently still. Now what am I to do?
VERA.
Look at my finger and don't talk. [_Examines eyes. With sudden change of expression and voice._] Now down!
[ADENE _gets up as she puts the instrument down_.
ADENE.
Not the other too? I can bear it. Or wasn't I quiet enough? You seem disappointed in me.
[_Rises._
VERA.
[_With forced gaiety._] No, no! There's nothing at all to see. You're perfectly normal, ridiculously normal: not worth looking at!
ADENE.
[_Coming down to the table for books._] As bad as the children--and the ninepins?
_Enter_ SERVANT.
VERA.
Will you show Mr. Adene his room? [_Suddenly showing anxiety, and then repressing it._] Oh, you mustn't take those books! Yes, keep them if you like.
ADENE.
[_Taking the books over and laughing._] Would it be any improvement if I cultivated a squint?
[_Exeunt_ ADENE _and_ SERVANT R.
[VERA _stands for a moment by the table, then covers her face with her hands_.
VERA.
His eyes were like a child's eyes, and then that frightful thing! Heaven help me! What am I to do?
END OF THE FIRST ACT
THE SECOND ACT
_The lawn of_ CARLYON'S _house. Wall of house at left and back; steps in left back corner. A French window in the wall to the left. In front right centre garden-seat with bushes behind, concealing seat from main steps in the corner; to the right a garden with trees. Time. After lunch._
_Enter down the big steps_ CARLYON, ADENE _and_ RHEINHARDT.
CARLYON.
Yes, it would be a grand undertaking. But upon my word your recklessness is infectious. I give notice, "All recent remarks are against my better judgment."
ADENE.
I'm so grateful for your encouragement, I don't mind what has brought it about.
CARLYON.
I don't encourage you. The best I hope for is that they will only cut off your ears. Bear witness, Dr. Rheinhardt, have I encouraged him?
ADENE.
