The rector.  Really very good of her to lend her husband’s—­I was—­ er—­quite——­

Maud.  That’ll do, Bertie.

     [They see her returning along the verandah, followed by a sandy,
     red-faced gentleman in leather leggings, with a needle and
     cotton in his hand.]

Herself.  Caught the doctor just starting, So lucky!

Lady Ella.  Oh!  Thank goodness!

Doctor.  How do, Lady Ella?  How do, Squire?—­how do, Rector? [To Maud] How de do?  This the beastie?  I see.  Quite!  Who’ll hold him for me?

Lady Ella.  Oh!  I!

Herself.  D’you know, I think I’d better.  It’s so dreadful when it’s your own, isn’t it?  Shall we go in here, doctor?  Come along, pretty boy!

     [She takes Edward, and they pass into the room, left.]

Lady Ella.  I dreaded it.  She is splendid!

The squire.  Dogs take to her.  That’s a sure sign.

The rector.  Little things—­one can always tell.

The squire.  Something very attractive about her—­what!  Fine build of woman.

Maud.  I shall get hold of her for parish work.

The rector.  Ah!  Excellent—­excellent!  Do!

The squire.  Wonder if her husband shoots?  She seems
quite-er—­quite——­

Lady Ella. [Watching the door] Quite!  Altogether charming; one of the nicest faces I ever saw.

     [The doctor comes out alone.]

Oh!  Doctor—­have you? is it——?

Doctor.  Right as rain!  She held him like an angel—­he just licked her, and never made a sound.

Lady Ella.  Poor darling!  Can I——­

     [She signs toward the door.]

Doctor.  Better leave ’em a minute.  She’s moppin’ ’im off. [He wrinkles his nose] Wonderful clever hands!

The squire.  I say—­who is she?

Doctor. [Looking from face to face with a dubious and rather quizzical expression] Who?  Well—­there you have me!  All I know is she’s a first-rate nurse—­been helpin’ me with a case in Ditch Lane.  Nice woman, too—­thorough good sort!  Quite an acquisition here.  H’m! [Again that quizzical glance] Excuse me hurryin’ off—­very late.  Good-bye, Rector.  Good-bye, Lady Ella.  Good-bye!

     [He goes.  A silence.]

The squire.  H’m!  I suppose we ought to be a bit careful.

     [Jarvis, flyman of the old school, has appeared on the
     verandah.]

Jarvis. [To the rector] Beg pardon, sir.  Is the little dog all right?

Maud.  Yes.

Jarvis. [Touching his hat] Seein’ you’ve missed your train, m’m, shall I wait, and take you ’ome again?