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?