Vera.
If there was any hope of curing him——
Carlyon.
So there is! There must be—some hope, unless you send him off to Bhojâl in ignorance. Then I agree there is none. [Vera looks at him with suspicion.] It happens to be dangerous to me, certainly, but that doesn't make it prudent for him.
Vera.
Father, don't try to make little of it. I will do what you ask; but I must do it by breaking his spirit. I shall tell him suddenly, brutally—so as to crush him once for all. Oh, how I shall loathe myself! [After a pause.] Only the last few months of his life!
Carlyon.
[Coming up to her.] There speaks my brave girl again! What could he do with that crippled life? And think of the long years that lie before me—and you with me.
[He turns and walks a little way up the garden.
Vera.