ISOBEL. I’m glad.... (She holds out her hand suddenly with a smile) How do you do, Mr. Royce? (She is inviting him to step off the sentimental footing.)
ROYCE (stepping off). How do you do, Miss Blayds? It’s delightful to meet you again.
ISOBEL. Let’s sit down; shall we? (They sit down together.) My father will be coming in directly. You are here to see him, of course?
ROYCE. Yes. Tell me about him—or rather about yourself. You are still looking after him?
ISOBEL. Yes.
ROYCE. For eighteen years.
ISOBEL. Nearly twenty altogether.
ROYCE. And has it been worth it?
ISOBEL. He has written wonderful things in those twenty years. Not very much, but very wonderful.
ROYCE. Yes, that has always been the miracle about [203]him, the way he has kept his youth. And the fire and spirit of youth. You have helped him there.