I meant to plead that I needed a few weeks with a famous chemist I know to prepare me better for my work.

My real motive was to leave you, and let you see if absence could do anything for me in your heart.

You've been very nearly the creature of my hands for months, my girl; whatever any one else may do, you're bound to miss me mightily, and I figured that with me away, perhaps you could solve the problem alone I seem to fail in helping you with.

This is only a slight change of plans.

You are going in my stead.