“It’s vital. You see, I’m⁠—I’m an investigator⁠—I am engaged in a scientific research. I live⁠—” he paused and seemed to think. “Just over there,” he said, and pointed suddenly dangerously near my eye. “The house with white chimneys you see just over the trees. And my circumstances are abnormal⁠—abnormal. I am on the point of completing one of the most important demonstrations⁠—I can assure you one of the most important demonstrations that have ever been made. It requires constant thought, constant mental ease and activity. And the afternoon was my brightest time!⁠—effervescing with new ideas⁠—new points of view.”

“But why not come by still?”

“It would be all different. I should be self-conscious. I should think of you at your play⁠—watching me irritated⁠—instead of thinking of my work. No! I must have the bungalow.”