[_pacing terrace with his guest, arm in arm_]
By the by, my sister is rather keen on science.
Best assistant I ever had. You can pile an awful lot of routine on a woman. The female of the species is more faithful than the male.... She's over there already. We can get right to work.
[_JOHN hesitates, turns to the family, all watching with breathless interest._
Don't you see, old chap, under the circumstances it would hardly do for her to go back to Paris with you.
My dear fellow, we are going to ask you quite frankly to decline to take her.
[_looks about at the circle of anxious faces. He wont let them read him_]
So that's it, eh?... But it's the chance of a lifetime for her, too. She needs it more than I do. She's had so little chance to do original work.
Everything. We have the highest respect for you, Doctor Hamilton, but also ... one must respect the opinions of the world, you know.
That's right. One must. I forgot to think of that.... It's curious, but when working with women of ability one learns to respect them so much that one quite loses the habit of insulting them. Too bad how new conditions spoil fine old customs.... Suppose you let her go and let me stay. I can find plenty to do here, I fancy.
I fear it would offend our generous benefactor, Mr. Baker. He has set his heart on your going abroad, meeting other big men, getting new ideas for our great humanitarian work. [_The family exchange glances while JOHN lies on._] Besides, my sister would only go to accommodate you. She particularly desires to stay here this winter. That's why she is returning so soon, you see.
Oh, I see.... I'm sure I have no desire to _drag_ her over with me.... [_Smiles at himself._] I rather thought the opportunity to continue our experiments together ... but that's all right.
Then it's all settled--you agree to go alone?
How soon? Why, just as soon as I get some one to run my department.
Could she run it? It can't run without her! She's as systematic as [_to LUCY_]--as a good housekeeper.
Then _that's_ all fixed! She'll stay when I tell her that you want her to. Could you arrange to start at once?
Then I'll telephone for your passage--I have a pull with all the steamship lines. [_Going._] Of course I hate to cut short your week-end, but I don't want to spoil any scientific careers.