CHARTERIS (suddenly affecting complete indifference, and rising carelessly). I don't know that I have anything more to say. If I were you I should invite the Cravens to tea in honor of the Colonel's escape from a horrible doom. By the way, if you've done with that British Medical Journal, I should like to see how they've smashed your theory up. PARAMORE (wincing as he also rises). Oh, certainly, if you wish it. I have no objection. (He takes the Journal from the bookstand.) I admit that the Italian experiments apparently upset my theory. But please remember that it is doubtful--extremely doubtful--whether anything can be proved by experiments on animals. (He hands Charteris the Journal.) CHARTERIS (taking it). It doesn't matter: I don't intend to make any. (He retires to the recess on Ibsen's right, picking up the step ladder as he passes and placing it so that he is able to use it for a leg rest as he settles himself to read on the divan with his back to the corner of the mantelpiece. Paramore goes to the left hand door, and is about to leave the library when he meets Grace entering.) GRACE. How do you do, Dr. Paramore. So glad to see you. (They shake hands.) PARAMORE. Thanks. Quite well, I hope? GRACE. Quite, thank you. You're looking overworked. We must take more care of you, Doctor. PARAMORE. You are very kind. GRACE. It is you who are too kind--to your patients. You sacrifice yourself. Have a little rest. Come and talk to me--tell me all about the latest scientific discoveries, and what I ought to read to keep myself up to date. But perhaps you're busy. PARAMORE. No, not at all. Only too delighted. (They go into the recess on Ibsen's left, and sit there chatting in whispers, very confidentially.) CHARTERIS. How they all love a doctor! They can say what they like to him! (Julia returns. He takes his feet down from the ladder and sits up.) Whew! (Julia wanders down his side of the room, apparently looking for someone. Charteris steals after her.) CHARTERIS (in a low voice). Looking for me, Julia? JULIA (starting violently). Oh! How you startled me! CHARTERIS. Sh! I want to shew you something. Look! (He points to the pair in the recess.) JULIA (jealously). That woman! CHARTERIS. My young woman, carrying off your young man. JULIA. What do you mean? Do you dare insinuate-- CHARTERIS. Sh--sh--sh! Don't disturb them. (Paramore rises; takes down a book; and sits on a footstool at Grace's feet.) JULIA. Why are they whispering like that? CHARTERIS. Because they don't want anyone to hear what they are saying to one another. (Paramore shews Grace a picture in the book. They both laugh heartily over it.) JULIA. What is he shewing her?