VANILLITY (with painful humility)
I did nothing, Judge, nothing. A man like Dr. Agnus would succeed without my teaching or anyone’s. (Shows by his attitude some servility to the Judge)
JUDGE CRITTY (warming hands at fire)
Well, he thinks you’re responsible. “If it wasn’t for Professor Vanillity,” he keeps saying—
VANILLITY
I never knew so painfully modest a boy—
JUDGE CRITTY (they are both at fire)
Boy—you’ve hit it—boy! The great scientist (bows to laboratory doors) retains all his boyish shyness and lack of confidence. He even (preening himself) gives me credit for part of his success. Because once I said the time was coming when science would keep us alive forever. He says that put him on the track.
VANILLITY (with melancholy satisfaction, looking toward laboratory) Immortality! No more building up just for Time to tear down!
JUDGE CRITTY (in a smoking-room manner, ribald)