Why Marry? Part 23

ERNEST

[_stops short_]

I didn't know that.... Well, what is it?

[_JOHN hesitates, turns to the family, all watching with breathless interest._

THEODORE

Don't you see, old chap, under the circ.u.mstances it would hardly do for her to go back to Paris with you.

ERNEST

Why not?

LUCY

You're a man.

ERNEST

[_smiling_]

You mean I'm dangerous?

LUCY

But she's a woman.

JUDGE

They mean _she's_ dangerous.

JOHN

My dear fellow, we are going to ask you quite frankly to decline to take her.

ERNEST

[_looks about at the circle of anxious faces. He wont let them read him_]

So that's it, eh?... But it's the chance of a lifetime for her, too. She needs it more than I do. She's had so little chance to do original work.

JOHN

But she's a woman.

ERNEST

Just what has that to do with it?

JOHN

Everything. We have the highest respect for you, Doctor Hamilton, but also ... one must respect the opinions of the world, you know.

ERNEST

[_thinks it over_]

That's right. One must. I forgot to think of that.... It's curious, but when working with women of ability one learns to respect them so much that one quite loses the habit of insulting them. Too bad how new conditions spoil fine old customs.... Suppose you let her go and let me stay. I can find plenty to do here, I fancy.

JOHN

I fear it would offend our generous benefactor, Mr. Baker. He has set his heart on your going abroad, meeting other big men, getting new ideas for our great humanitarian work. [_The family exchange glances while JOHN lies on._] Besides, my sister would only go to accommodate you. She particularly desires to stay here this winter. That's why she is returning so soon, you see.

ERNEST

[_believes it_]

Oh, I see.... I'm sure I have no desire to _drag_ her over with me....

[_Smiles at himself._] I rather thought the opportunity to continue our experiments together ... but that's all right.

JOHN

Then it's all settled--you agree to go alone?

ERNEST

[_a slight pause_]

Yes, alone. It's quite settled.