Part 78 (1/2)

More joy, manifested by another round of kisses._

_But he has not only been asked to join the firm; the firm has promised him a straight loan, without interest, with which to build his house. Otherwise he would have had to borrow from a building and loan a.s.sociation. Therefore, bids are now being advertised for and work will begin very soon. Great joy. Ditto seizes mother's hand and Katherine's and dances a ring around David._

_As the jollification subsides, David inquires for his uncle, Reene.

He must approve the plans, for he was a great architect in his day.

His mother informs him that the uncle went for a ride with Doctor w.a.n.gren.)_

_David._ How is he feeling today?

_Mrs. Brice._ Not quite so well. In fact, I never saw him so despondent.

_David._ He must not look at it that way. We all have our little troubles. (_To Katherine._) Don't we?

(_They go toward piano. Exit Mrs. Brice, L., taking Ditto with her._

_In a short scene at the piano, during which Katherine plays diminuendo, the fact is revealed that her father opposes the match between her and David; not because he does not like David but for reasons which he has not divulged to his daughter. This cloud pa.s.ses by quickly, however._)

THE CONSULTATION

_The persons of the play_

_Marian.

Katherine.

Dr. Thomas Wells.

Dr. Benjamin Crawford._

_The scene represents a sitting room in Marian's home. It is very cheaply furnished. There is a door at back centre, and also one at R.

At upper left is a curtained window, not practicable. In the centre is a table, on which is a lighted lamp. Near the window is a couch. There are chairs about the room, and a few cheap pictures on the walls. It is evening, and the room is dimly lighted._

[Diagram]

_When the curtain rises, there is no one in the room, but in a moment the door at rear opens, and Katherine enters noiselessly. She is a_ _pleasant looking woman of 30. She is followed by Dr. Wells, who closes the door behind him very softly. He is a young man, with a Van d.y.k.e beard. The two go to right of table, and Katherine looks at the doctor inquiringly. He speaks with some hesitation._

_Dr. Wells._ You want the truth?

_Katherine._ Of course.

_Dr. Wells._ I think he's dying. This is the crisis, and the chances are a thousand to one against him.

_Katherine._ I'm afraid my sister can't bear the shock. She loves her husband more than I can tell you, Doctor.

(_They are discussing the case when Marian enters from the rear. She lingers a moment and looks back into the other room. Then she slowly closes the door, and advances towards the others. She is a pretty woman, about 25, but she looks pale and anxious._

_Dr. Wells and Katherine stop talking when she comes near and watch her. She turns to the Doctor and asks for his verdict. He doesn't reply, but looks inquiringly at Katherine. After a moment, she says he'd better tell her. Very gently he breaks the news, and informs her that her husband will probably die. The disease is vicious and can't be checked._)

_Marian._ (_Anxiously._) You mean my husband will die?

_Dr. Wells._ I fear so.