Dr. Martineau said it was a pleasure to have helped Sir
Richmond's work in any way. He believed in him thoroughly.
Sir Richmond was inspired by great modern creative ideas.
"Forgive me if I keep you talking about him," said Lady
Hardy. "I wish I could feel as sure that I had been of use to
him."
Dr. Martineau insisted. "I know very well that you are."
"I do what I can to help him carry his enormous burthen of
toil" she said. "I try to smooth his path. But he is a
strange silent creature at times. "
Her eyes scrutinized the doctor's face.
It was not the doctor's business to supplement Sir Richmond's
silences. Yet he wished to meet the requirements of this lady
if he could. "He is one of those men," he said, "who are
driven by forces they do not fully understand. A man of
genius."
"Yes," she said in an undertone of intimacy. Genius. . . . A
great irresponsible genius. . . . Difficult to help. . . . I
wish I could do more for him."
A very sweet and charming lady. It was with great regret that
the doctor found the time had come to turn to his left-hand
neighbour.
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