Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

This scene takes place at Chumley's Rest, which is a sanitarium for mental patients. At the opening of the scene Nurse Ruth Kelly, a young pretty woman, is talking to Veta. It becomes apparent that Veta is giving Miss Kelly information about Elwood when she is about to check him into the sanitarium. She tells Miss Kelly that Elwood is in the cab and Nurse Kelly instructs Wilson, a burly attendant, to go fetch him.

While Wilson is away, Veta asks to see Dr. Chumley, the head of the sanitarium, but Miss Kelly informs her that only his associate, Dr. Sanderson, sees patients now. While Miss Kelly is praising Dr. Sanderson, she subtly implies that theirs is more than the average doctor/nurse relationship. She primps herself before she goes to fetch him.

Wilson brings Elwood, who appears as cheerful as...