Of course I should, immensely. But I'm not going to try and find out if he doesn't want me to. ADENE. That's what he said you would say! [_Touching the MS._] When is it to be sent in? VERA. I have only a month left, and look what I have to get through! [_Goes to revolving case._ ADENE. You can't possibly read all these? [_Goes to her up_ R. VERA. I just glance through them. They are reports of foreign hospitals, and I want to see if there is anything on my subjects. ADENE. [_Handling one of the volumes._] No index? VERA. No such concession to weak human nature! Hardly any headings and no capital letters. It is only mechanical work, looking through them. I do it at night when I am tired. ADENE. What is your subject? [_Picking up several volumes._] I'll do these for you. VERA. You, Mr. Adene! Your time is ever so much too valuable! ADENE. I'm having holidays now, and this is just what I like. What is your subject? VERA. No, I can't let you know! ADENE. If you don't tell me, I shall make a table of contents all through. VERA. I never knew anything so kind. It will take days! [_Rises._ ADENE. I've spent many happy weeks making indexes. What did you say the subject was? VERA. The relation of the brain and the optic nerve, but any brain thing may come in. ADENE. Diseases of the brain--very good. I'll have them all marked for you. VERA. Many, many thanks. [_He drops a book._] But you need not destroy the ophthalmoscope. ADENE. What is it? 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.