VERA.

My favourite toy!

ADENE.

How do you play with it?

VERA.

I examine everybody's eyes. I've tried all the eyes in the house, nearly all in the village, and any others that would submit to be made victims of.

ADENE.

[_Rises._] Here are two, if you will condescend to them.

VERA.

[_Goes up to window to ring bell._] Not now, though I should like to look at you. You have read so much you ought to have something or other the matter with you. [_Laughing._] The village children are all as normal as ninepins. Now you must go and write.

ADENE.

[_Sitting in the chair by the curtain._] I must be paid beforehand for all these catalogues. Now!

VERA.

No, you're frivolous! Well, you've taken the right chair. I can't ever resist.

[_She arranges the curtain, &c., while he talks._

ADENE.

I begin to repent: it is so like a dentist's. Is it going to hurt? You must tell me when to grip the arms of the chair and keep myself violently still. Now what am I to do?

VERA.

Look at my finger and don't talk. [_Examines eyes. With sudden change of expression and voice._] Now down!

[ADENE _gets up as she puts the instrument down_.

ADENE.

Not the other too? I can bear it. Or wasn't I quiet enough? You seem disappointed in me.

[_Rises._

VERA.

[_With forced gaiety._] No, no! There's nothing at all to see. You're perfectly normal, ridiculously normal: not worth looking at!

ADENE.

[_Coming down to the table for books._] As bad as the children--and the ninepins?

_Enter_ SERVANT.

VERA.

Will you show Mr. Adene his room? [_Suddenly showing anxiety, and then repressing it._] Oh, you mustn't take those books! Yes, keep them if you like.

ADENE.

[_Taking the books over and laughing._] Would it be any improvement if I cultivated a squint?

[_Exeunt_ ADENE _and_ SERVANT R.

[VERA _stands for a moment by the table, then covers her face with her hands_.

VERA.

His eyes were like a child's eyes, and then that frightful thing! Heaven help me! What am I to do?

END OF THE FIRST ACT

THE SECOND ACT

_The lawn of_ CARLYON'S _house. Wall of house at left and back; steps in left back corner. A French window in the wall to the left. In front right centre garden-seat with bushes behind, concealing seat from main steps in the corner; to the right a garden with trees. Time. After lunch._

_Enter down the big steps_ CARLYON, ADENE _and_ RHEINHARDT.

CARLYON.

Yes, it would be a grand undertaking. But upon my word your recklessness is infectious. I give notice, "All recent remarks are against my better judgment."

ADENE.

I'm so grateful for your encouragement, I don't mind what has brought it about.

CARLYON.

I don't encourage you. The best I hope for is that they will only cut off your ears. Bear witness, Dr. Rheinhardt, have I encouraged him?

ADENE.