END OF THE THIRD ACT.
In front of a Bungalow in the Ghautgherry Hills; the Bungalow with its veranda occupies the left half of the stage; the rest is Compound, with thick trees at the right. A door in the centre of the veranda leads into the house; another, at the left, leads toAdene'ssick-room. In front, to the right,Adeneis reclining in a long Singapore chair with cushions. Just above him a table, covered with Bhojâlee curiosities which have just been taken from a box. At the table isRheinhardtseated, looking at the objects. Behind isSelim,an old native with one arm, dusting the veranda with a feather mop.
Adenehas a Bhojâlee belt in his hands, with empty sheath;Rheinhardthas the knife, and is examining it closely.
Adene.
The belt is said to have been Koreb's own. There is nothing particular about the knife—an ordinary Bhojâl kukri.
Rheinhardt.
[Holding the knife up for the light to strike its edge.] Do they use poisoned knives in Bhojâl?
Adene.
They have the secret; but I never heard of its being used in war, except in the last war, against us. [He sits up and reaches for the knife, whichRheinhardtgives.] Do you see anything that looks like poison?
Rheinhardt.
Come, come! [Presses him down in the chair.] If I let you come outside the veranda, you must be content to lie still.—Selim, two pegs lower. [Holds up two fingers.] And the cushions. [ToAdene,asSelimnods his understanding.] I never know how much that man understands.
[Selimlowers the back of the chair, and rearranges the cushions tenderly and skilfully. A bell is heard, off.
Adene.
Oh, he understands most things. [ExitSelimupc.] You see, Carlyon's methods at that time had turned them into perfect fiends! [Rheinhardtlooks sharply up.] Well, infected them, we'll say, with the Carlyon spirit. [Rheinhardtcontinues to look disapprovingly atAdene.] Look here, Rheinhardt, do you think this is a delusion of mine about Carlyon?
Rheinhardt.
No.
Adene.
Then why do you look hurt whenever I refer to the things that I know about him?
Rheinhardt.
Sir Carlyon may be the Devil himself; I have in him no interest. It is only the children of the Devil that I am sorry for.
Adene.
[With sudden constraint.] I have never said a word affecting Miss Carlyon.
Rheinhardt.
Nor thought a word, eh?
Adene.
I have no material for thinking about her, one way or the other.
Re-enterSelimwith letters.
Rheinhardt.
I will give you material!
Selim.
[Interrupting and laying letters on table in front ofRheinhardt.] Post!
Rheinhardt.
[Taking the letters, whileAdenesits up and looks at them.] No, you do not open your letters yet!
Adene.
Goodness knows I don't want to; unless there is one from my sister——
Rheinhardt.
[Reading the addresses.] "An den Herrn Professor Rheinhardt, M.D., Ph.D." "Dr. Rheinhardt."[Stopping and looking again.] Ach! no. "MissRheinhardt." It is for my assistant. [ToSelim.] Here; for the Mem-sahib!
Adene.
That is Carlyon's handwriting![Rises.
[Selim,who has just reached the door, turns suddenly and drops the letter with signs of fear.Adenecrosses towards him.
Selim.
Kalŷona Sahib![Stands shrinking from the letter.
Rheinhardt.
What matters it to you whose letter it is? Take it!
Selim.
[In terror, catchingAdene'sarm.] Ai! ai! Sahib.
[DrawsAdeneinto the doorway and whispers to him.
Adene.
Yes, yes, I know; but don't be afraid. [ToRheinhardt.] It is no good; he won't touch that letter!
Rheinhardt.
Won't touch it? Very well, he shall not touch it. [Takes a plate from among the curiosities on the table and puts letter upon it.] There; take it on this. [ExitSelimwith plate.] And you, come back! [Adenecomes down again to his chair and sits thinking.Rheinhardtcontinues.] Gott in Himmel! so long as it does not touch his skin, so long it is all right.[Laughing.
Adene.
Rheinhardt, whoisthis assistant of yours, whom I never see?
Rheinhardt.
Who my assistant is?—she was a pupil of mine.
Adene.
If you would allow it, I would like to see her.
Rheinhardt.
[After a pause.] Very well; I also wish you to see her. But [deliberately] you have at present no material for thinking about her—one way or the other. [Adenestarts.] I will give you some. When first I heard of Steinmetz's experimentations, andsaw his mistakes, I said, "If I had the right assistant, I could save Adene." But I had him not. I wanted—ah, so many things! You will not understand: a doctor who should be also a nurse, who should know my ways—and more. There was just one person, but she was just the one person I could not ask. No. I was too angry.
Adene.
Then how did she come?
Rheinhardt.
She came to me herself, suddenly, in London, just as I am starting. She was all pale, with her eyes—she had had some great struggle.
Adene.
Her father!
Rheinhardt.
[Waving down the interruption.] I know not what it was, but it was something. And when she entered at the door, I said, "Here it is come at last; he will be saved!" And he is! [Rises.] There is your material for thinking! And if you do not know what she is, all the time you are unconscious, all thetime you are in the dark, there are others who do. [Warming up.] There are others who——
Adene.
Oh, Rheinhardt, let me see her!
Rheinhardt.
[Sharply.] You do not deserve to see her. [With resignation.] Bah! what does it matter? I will send her to you. [At door.] Old Rheinhardt has his work.[ExitRheinhardt,up.
[Adenewalks to and fro, thinking.
EnterSelim,and approachesAdene,who turns away from him, saying:
Adene.
Not now, Selim.
[Selimturns back and is going off when his eye rests on the knife; he hovers over it, but draws back asAdeneturns, and exit.
Voice of Rheinhardt inside the House.
There! He is on the veranda.
[Adenegoes up to door(c.)with hands outstretched; to him enterVeraand takes both his hands.
Adene.
It is really you! [Leads her down.] And you have been by me all this time?
Vera.
[With attempted lightness.] It did seem rather absurd, didn't it? to keep me away from you, when we were such old friends.
Adene.
Friends! [Earnestly.] All the way out to Bhojâl there were two thoughts with me always: "I love Vera Carlyon; I am presently going to die." I had nothing to give; only a little broken end of life. But I said, "That at least shall be hers. I will work for her these last months; I will pile up my little monument to her father's greatness, and die building it."
Vera.
Go on! You found it was the monument of his shame!
Adene.
No, no! Not shame: greatness, but greatness so terribly dashed——
Vera.
You can still say that? Oh, thank you, thank you!
Adene.
Oh, Vera—when the first shock of my discoveries came, it almost maddened me. I mistrusted every one!
Vera.
I know. I have been through that.
Adene.
Vera, I mistrustedyou! [Verashrinks.] I thought you knew the whole story and tried to screen him.
Vera.
No, not all! Not all!
[Murmuring to herself, so as scarcely to break his speech.
Adene.
I gnashed my teeth inwardly and raged against you. [Veradraws back from him, shrinking.] You can't forgive me?
Vera.
I have nothing to forgive.
Adene.
You see what must come! I shall try to be just to your father—to spare him; but what good will it be? I shall wound you past all healing! [Breaking off.] Oh, why could not this have come to some one who did not love you? Or at least to some strong man, who could bear it and go his ways? I, Heaven help me, am a broken, crippled man; I could never ask for your love as an equal, never hope to make you my wife. [Passionately.] But some little corner of your love I must have——
Vera.
[Kneeling down by his chair, bending slightly over him.] Oh, dearest, dearest, you are ill and talking wildly! The wound in me is past healing; but it ishe, not you, that struck it. How couldIask you to spare him? I am bound up as one with him. And I claim now that we shall have our punishment! Dearest, what you thought of me in your anger was the truth! I did plot to screen him and keep you back. I tried that day to strike you with despair—to break down your spirit, to——
Adene.
But you didn't know what he had done! You can't have known.
Vera.
No, I didn't know that, and I didn't know your courage. It was high above our reach, and we could not break it.—Younot a strong man!Youto ask for a corner of my love! It is yours all, long ago. It is thrown at your feet for you to gather as you will! [Throws herself down before him.] The love of one who wronged you, who plotted against you, who was sent here now to—— [Breaking off with a paroxysm of self-abasement.] Oh,he,he, who knew me, could think I would do that!
Adene.
Sent? Did he send you to me? To do what?[Preparing to rise.
Vera.
I can't tell you. I have not done it. I have saved you from him.
[Adenehas risen, and stands sternly thinking.Verais huddled up at his feet, her face hiddenin her hands. After a pause, he looks down at her, and changes from stern anger to tenderness.
Adene.
My poor, poor love, let us forget him! [Sitting and raising her.] Just for a little, forget him altogether.
Vera.
[Startled—clutching the letter in her bosom and raising her head.] You have nearly made me forget everything! [Rising, smiling through her tears.] Forget my first business!Ican't afford to break down and let myself be comforted, like another woman!
Adene.
Why not?[Tries to detain her.
Voice of Rheinhardt inside the House.
Not back yet? It is quite dark. Bring the lamps. And set the punkah going again.
Vera.
No, no; you are my patient. You mustn't comfort me. You are my sick child.
EnterRheinhardt.
Rheinhardt.
[At door.] Hut!—Bah! [Running forward and seizingAdene'spulse.] Gott im Himmel! take him in! Take him in! He lies down flat, straight, this moment, just as he is! [ToVera.] No, not you! Here, Nurse! Take him in.[Calling.
Vera.
[AsRheinhardtleadsAdeneoff, after a moment of thought.] Come back to me afterwards, Doctor. I want to speak to you.
[ExeuntRheinhardtandAdeneinto the sick-room, theNurseappearing atAdene'sdoor.
EnterPunkah Boy,and sits in cornerr.,working punkah.
EnterSelimwith a lamp.Veramakes room for it on the table among the curios, then begins to put the curios into their box.[ExitSelim.
Re-enterRheinhardt.
Vera.
[WhileRheinhardtis still at the door.] I have been so foolish! Have I done him any real harm?
Rheinhardt.
Harm? No; it had to come, one way or another. So long as he sleeps!——
Vera.
I have heard from my father. He is coming here.
Re-enterSelimwith second lamp.
Rheinhardt.
Sir Carlyon coming here? When, does he say?[Selimnotices and trembles.
Vera.
[Looking at letter.] As far as I can judge, he might come to-night. [Selim,listening acutely, trembles violently, clutches the poisoned knife which is still lying on the table, and glides off rapidly into the trees.] That is, if he rides from Johilcund, as he says he will.
Rheinhardt.
Ridefrom Johilcund! Gott in Himmel! Let me look. [Veragives him the letter.] From Bombay. [Looking at the envelope.] Nineteenth, twentieth. Ah, yes. He ought to get here to-morrow midday.
Vera.
[With constraint.] Has Mr. Adene said anything to you about him?
Rheinhardt.
[Same manner.] Yes. [Their eyes meet and then avoid each other.] There is no need for them to meet. [Slight pause.] And you—you have said all your say with Mr. Adene?
Vera.
Yes.
Rheinhardt.
He is a good man. Yes, he is a brave fellow. That is settled. And old Rheinhardt will go back to Zürich, Universitätstrasse, hundert und zwölf; and will grow fat; and will write fat, fat books!
Vera.
[Tenderly, going up to him.] And save more people's lives, and make more pupils love him.
Rheinhardt.
Ach! you say that? We have had a happy time here, we two; two good companions—nicht so?And it is over. Bah!—it will be there to think about, in the nights, when it is warm and still like this—and I smoke!
Vera.
Isn't it wonderfully still? You can hear every sound. Hark! there is some one riding on the road.
[They listen together for a moment. ThenRheinhardtlooks at her and says abruptly:
Rheinhardt.
Good-night![ExitRheinhardt,up.
Vera.
Good-night!
[She waits listening to the horse hoofs, which are heard more and more distinctly; then comes the sound of a man dismounting on a stone floor.Veraturns toPunkah Boy,who is wide awake and listening, and makes a sign to him. He runs backl.,and immediately returns, crying, "Kalŷona Sahib." Excited whispers of thename are heard, off; thenCarlyon'svoice speaking to the servants in Hindustani.
EnterCarlyon,froml.back round the house.
Carlyon.
[Coming forward impulsively.] Vera, it gives me fresh life to see your face! [Kisses her, then throws himself into the chair. She stands helpless, having stifled her first impulse to run forward and greet him.] Great Heavens, how tired I am! I have ridden fifty miles since midday. [Throwing himself back and stretching his arms out.] Ah, I suppose I should not have thought much of it once!
Vera.
[Constrainedly.] Why have you come?
Carlyon.
I thought your heart might fail you. You were all alone.
Vera.
You thought I had been long?
Carlyon.
I was anxious at not hearing from you. I knew itwas a heavy burden for you, and I came to help. Did you need help?
Vera.
None.
[Pause.Carlyongets up and walks a little way, then turns.
Carlyon.
Then why is it not done?
Vera.
It is done—almost all.
Carlyon.
It is? Oh, thank God! I was so tired! I felt this man as a terror hanging over me. I seemed like an old man just now, for the first time. [Pause; he walks again, then looks at her closely.] You are pale. He is not actually dead?
Vera.
No, he is not dead.
Carlyon.
You do not like to speak of it? Never mind.—Vera, you have been a good and brave daughter tome. You have given me rest, the first time in my life I have ever needed it.
Vera.
There is no rest for you here.
[She stands leaning backward slightly against the wall, and speaks with effort, throwing the lamplight full on his face.
Carlyon.
What do you mean? [Putting up his hand.] Turn off that light from my eyes!
Vera.
You must face more light than this. I have not helped you. There is no rest for you here, no rest anywhere that I know of.
Carlyon.
You are not failing me after all?
Vera.
I have watched him till he is almost safe. If you want him to die now you must kill him outright—by force.
Carlyon.
Vera, you have mistrusted me.
Vera.
[Passionately.] No. I have betrayed you! Can't you ever see it? I have turned against you, and you are beaten! You have told me everything. I alone——
Carlyon.
Youdaren't lift your voice! I don't fear that.
Vera.
There are proofs enough without me! And witnesses; Selim first——
Carlyon.
[As if stung.] Be quiet! Let me think. [Pause.] To think thatyoushould have done it! To think of the vermin I have trusted before, and none of them ever betrayed me!
Vera.
No;youbetrayedthem! Oh, it is their blind faith that has made you so pitilessly false!
Carlyon.
To trustyou—it was like trusting myself!
Vera.
[With a bitter laugh.] It was! It was! It was like trusting Judas! [A pause.] Was I to be a Koreb, mad and heartbroken in prison? Or like Elizabeth, who has lost her very soul, and cannot see that there is any human being in the world but you?
Carlyon.
[With a scornful laugh.] Butyoucan? Is that it? Good God! to think a wretched instinct like that should master you! To betraymefor a chance lover!
Vera.
It was just the opposite. If I had not half-consciously loved him you could never have deluded me. I wanted to stifle my heart, and I all but stifled my conscience with it.
Carlyon.
When did you change? How long have you meant this?
Vera.
I have not changed. I meant it ever since that night, when Elizabeth—[breaks off]—when I saw that to trust in you was to go mad!
Carlyon.
And you have been lying to me all this time!
Vera.
Were you to come at him with your poisoned daggers, and I not shield him with as much as a lie? [Checking herself.] Oh, Father, I did not mean to be like this to you! Father, he is not your enemy any more than I. He will spare you in every way——
Carlyon.
Do you mean he will not press to have me hanged? [She shakes her head.] You spare me that? [With fury.] I am not to be killed, after all your hunting? Only maimed and branded and left for stray dogs to tear? I am to "live it down," am I?—crawl on through a weary, interminable life——
Vera.
It can be as short as you will. I will wait and bear the shame for you.
Carlyon.
Suicide, is it? [With a short laugh.] No, I won't do that for you. The thought of it gives me all my natural spirit again.
Vera.
Yon cannot be afraid of that too?
Carlyon.
Afraid? No. But I have not finished living. Do you think I am an old man? There is as much blood and muscle in my arms as there ever was. I feel life leaping in every limb. I won't kill myself. No! nor let another man kill me! And I won't bear that penance either. There are other places besides England and British India.
Vera.
Oh, why do you rage like this? Can you not face your hour when it comes, take your defeat, like a strong man, steadily?
Carlyon.
Defeat? Defeat? From him and his crazy natives? Who will believe their story against mine? [She is silent. A slight pause.] But suppose I confess all. Suppose I stand up straight before all Englishmen and bid them judge me: "Here I am: I have broken rules and treaties; I have fought with all weapons; I have had no law nor conscience nor pity—for your enemies! I am yours to chain or unchain; I am your fighting man, your bloodhound, your leashed panther! Have you no use for me?" Do you think, among all the swarming cowards that govern us, I shall not bring a host to my side when I say that?
Vera.
[Grave and calm.] This is like the madness that goes before a great fall!
Carlyon.
His fall and yours!—when you try to turn and rend me, and are crushed! [Looking at her.] Before Heaven, I pity you! [Turning away.] Give me a fresh horse.
Vera.
What are you going to do?
Carlyon.
Do you expect another of my secrets?
Vera.
I will tell them to bring the horse.[ExitVera.
[Carlyoncrossesr.,throws himself down again in the chair, in an attitude of utter weariness, his hands over his eyes.Selimduring the last words has stolen out from the trees and creeps towardsCarlyonwith the knife.Carlyonmoves his hands from his eyes, seesSelim'sshadow, and starts swiftly forward asSelimsprings upon the chair from behind. A brief struggle follows,Selimshouting,Carlyonsilent.Carlyongets the knife, flingsSelimdown off the stagel.,pursues him for one instant to stab him finally, and returns. There is a slight red scratch onCarlyon'sforehead.
Re-enterVerahurriedly.
Vera.
Father, Father! Are you hurt?
Carlyon.
[Furious, with the knife uplifted.] Did you mean it? Did you know he was there?
Vera.
No, no! Oh, are you safe?[Pause. He is trembling with excitement.
Carlyon.
[Exultantly.] Vera, Vera! Don't you see what has happened? Don't you see it? I am saved. Koreb is mad. Adene has nothing but hearsay——
Vera.
[Shrinking back to coldness.] What do you mean?
Carlyon.
Don't you see that I've just killed Selim, and Selim was the one fatal witness? Adene cannot hurt me now. It is only you. It is all simple for you. You needn't kill him. You needn't say one word that is untrue. Only say nothing, and I am safe. [With increasing confidence.] You don't answer! Think! You know in your heart you cannot conquer me.And if you could, who would be the better for it? I tell you I am a man who has never failed! [He stops as if suddenly giddy; then continues in a weaker voice.] I give you now the power of standing beside me. Do not wait too long. Can any one else offer you half such a life?
[He clings for a moment to the pillar of the veranda for support.
Vera.
[Alarmed.] You are wounded!
Carlyon.
No, he never touched me. I tell you I killed him. Vera, Vera, why do you try to stand against me? You love me more than that cripple, and I hold the lives of both of you in my hand![Half lifting the knife.
Vera.
Killing us will not help you! And I do not love you more than the truth.
Carlyon.
Truth! Barren truth about past facts that can dono jot or tittle of good to any one! Is it for that you would try to blast my life?
[He puts his hand to his brow, drops the knife, and falls into the chair.
Vera.
[Kneeling beside him, and calling.] Dr. Rheinhardt! Dr. Rheinhardt! Quickly! [ToCarlyon.] No, stay where you are!
[Carlyonwaits motionless, recovering himself.
EnterRheinhardt.
Rheinhardt.
[Off.] What is it? [Entering.] Your father! Wounded!
Vera.
Selim attacked him, but I can't understand why he is like this.
Rheinhardt.
[Hurrying up toCarlyon.] Let me see.
Carlyon.
[Pushing him aside and rising cautiously, he speaks wanderingly but without violence.] A little thing like that cannot hurt a man. My horse is tired, terribly tired; you said you would give me one of yours.[Reeling again; moaning to himself.] You pitiful civilised crowds, I want no more of you! You haven't beaten me, but you can't understand, you can't obey![Moves unsteadily away towards the trees.
Vera.
Where do you want to go?[Tries to bring him back.
Carlyon.
[With a full return of his old manner.] Back beyond the frontier! To the Bhojâl Mountains where the rebels went! I will go to the men who know me and hate me, and worship my broken sword!
Vera.
[ToRheinhardt,whispering.] What can it be?
Carlyon.
[Swaying as he stands, his hands to his brow.] If I could only see with this blood in my eyes! [Breaking out with an effort.] This time I come as their friend, with a sword that is not broken.
EnterAdenefollowed byNursefrom sick-room.Carlyonpoints at him.
Go, marry your cripple, O you who might have been great! He is fit for a half-bribed murderess and a coward! Great God, how I despise you all! Oh, shall I kill you where you stand, or——
[Reels and clutches the veranda post for support.Rheinhardt,who has watched closely all the time, and looked also at the things on the table, starts forward.
Rheinhardt.
Ach, Himmel! the poisoned knife!
Carlyon.
You lie! It is only my eyes that are filled with blood.
Vera.
[Running to him.] There is no blood in your eyes. Father! Father!
[Carlyonlifts the knife to his lips, tastes the edge, and drops it with a gesture of despair.
Carlyon.
Back! Don't touch me, and I shall not die yet!
[Adenemoves across toRheinhardtand speaks with him.
Rheinhardt.
That is it! But what poison! He must be stopped!
Carlyon.
[With a flash of his old manner as he moves off.] Out of my path, sir! I am still Carlyon!
[He sweepsRheinhardtaside, then falls.Rheinhardtloosens his collar.
Rheinhardt.
Fetch my case. [ExitNurseto house.] Bring that water.
[Verabrings it and supportsCarlyon'shead. They put it to his lips.
Vera.
[ToRheinhardt.] What?
Nursere-enters with case.
Rheinhardt.
Ach![Throws up his hands, suggesting no hope.
[ThePunkah Boyhas during this slipped across the stage to the place whereCarlyondropped the knife.VeraandAdenegaze at one another across the body.
Nurse.
Ah, what is that boy doing?
Adene.
He is kissing the knife that Carlyon threw away.