Let Sir David deal with me! He did more for the natives than I am likely to ask.
Vera.
Agreed! But it's five o'clock. [Goes from table to small book-case with books.
Adene.
[Rising.] Let me help! Where does this go? [Touching the ophthalmoscope.
Vera.
That is very precious! [Takes it and puts it down on table r.] But I'll tell you one thing more. Father has made things harder for the ordinary officials, especially for residents. It is practically impossible to come up to his standard. A man who first conquered and then ruled the most savage and turbulent tribes in India without ever letting his lowest subordinate do an oppressive act, a man with that extraordinary power of making others obey him——
[She is now back again at the table and does not see Carlyon, who enters at this moment.
Carlyon.
[Genially.] Who is this paragon, Vera?