All the same, deep down under it all, she has a true woman's yearning for a home to care for and a mate to love. [_She is silently crying._] Why, Helen, dear, what's the matter?
Oh, why can't they let me _alone_! They make what ought to be the holiest and most beautiful thing in life the most horrible and dishonest. They make me hate marriage--hate it!
[_Unseen by HELEN, the BUTLER steps out._
Just you wait till the right one comes along.
A plot to entrap him! [_Running to and fro wildly._] But it's no use! I'm going ... until he's gone!
Don't worry--she can't stay away--the sweet thing!
Now listen, we must all jolly him up--he'll be shy in these surroundings.
[_in a flutter, seeing HAMILTON approach_]
Oh, dear! how does one talk to highbrows?
Talk to him about himself! Highbrows, lowbrows, all men love it.
[_ERNEST HAMILTON, discoverer of the Hamilton antitoxin, is a fine-looking fellow of about thirty-five, without the spectacles or absent-mindedness somehow expected of scientific genius. He talks little but very rapidly and sees everything. It does not occur to him to be shy or embarrassed "in these surroundings"--not because he is habituated to so much luxury, on three thousand a year, nor because he despises it; he likes it; but he likes other things even more. That is why he works for two thousand a year, instead of working for fat, fashionable fees in private practice._
_JOHN meets his distinguished guest at the door--effusively, yet with that smiling condescension which wealthy trustees sometimes show to "scientists, college professors, and that sort of thing."_
Ah, Doctor Hamilton! Delighted to see you on my little farm at last. Out here I'm just a plain, old-fashioned farmer.
[_ERNEST glances about at the magnificence and smiles imperceptibly. He makes no audible replies to the glad welcome, but bows urbanely, master of himself and the situation._
I don't think you've met our uncle, Judge Grey.
Charmed! I've heard so much about you!--from my niece.
[_to ERNEST'S rescue, like a tactful hostess_]
[_unperturbed by the reference to HELEN_]
I have often desired to express my admiration of your heroism in the war against yellow fever in er--ah--_Cuba_, when you let an innocent-looking mosquito bite you----