Scene - The Doctor’s consulting room. Ground floor, 13 Marmalade Street, Pimlico.

(Aurora. the slavey, discovered laying out Doctor’s letters lovingly on his writing table; she kisses each one as she lays it down all are in blue envelopes.)

Aurora. They’re all for ’im the dear Doctor. Won’t ’e be pleased when ’e comes back and finds all this little lot! ’E went off quite sudden two days ago. Gone to see a patient, I expect, none ever comes ’ere, so ’e must go to them, (crosses L., looks in mirror) Oh, why was I born so rudely ’ealthy? (on sofa) I would like to be ‘is patient. I’d a-bear anythin’ with the dear Doctor to see to me, ’e’s got sich a sorft ’and. (jumps off sofa and stands C. looking at Aunt’s picture, curtseys) I wonder if she’s ’is fancy? ’Er with the diamond combs. You ain’t the only one, my lady, with diamond combs! I’ll struggle with yer. (produces combs from her pocket) Tenpence a pair in the Strand, (going to put them on, stops) No, I’ll wait till ’e comes ’ome. They’re all for ’im, the dear Doctor all for ’im! (end of sofa)

(Enter Tupper, a fat little page.)

Tupper. I say, Aurora. the missus is a’goin’ to do the thing in style this afternoon, two fiddler blokes an’ a planner an’ a programme o’ the dances pinned up over the mantelpiece over ’ead. (picks up cigarette end off ash tray and smokes it)

Aurora (down C.) Lor, you don’t say! An’ printed invitations an’ all. (takes card from mirror) ’Ark at this! “Mrs. O’Hara requests the honor of Doctor Sheppard’ss company ”

Tupper. ’E won’t come back for that. I wish ’e would.

Aurora. Why not, Tupper? Where’s ’e gone? (comes C.)

Tupper. Gie us a kiss, an’ I’ll tell yer.

Aurora. (moving away) A kiss! There’s bloomin’ cheek! I never did!

Tupper. (coming to her) Oh yes, you did only larst Friday, an’ it’s Friday agin, an’ what’s more, it’s Lady Day.

Aurora. (innocently) Is it, Tupper? Well, as it’s Lady Day. (puts her cheek up, aside) It’s all for ’im! (kiss Bus.) Now tell me.

Tupper. ’E’s gorn to get married, (goes down r. puffing cigarette hard)

Aurora. (with concern) No, Tupper, don’t say that! (changes her tone) I mean, ’ow do you know?

Tupper. (turning round) Gie us another, an’ I’ll tell yer!

Aurora. Go hon!

Tupper. I will when I got summat to go hon with. (comes to her)

Aurora. (impatiently) Oh, there, then! (kissed him aside)
They’re all for ’im!

Tupper. Well, as you know, (gets on table) Aurora. the Doctor’s a wonderful gentle gentleman, as gentle as well, there ’e is gentle!

Aurora. (more impatiently) I know that. I give you them kisses to tell me summat I don’t know.

Tupper. Well, I’m goin’ to. When ’e was packing to go away, ’e was that excited ’e couldn’t ’ardly strap the bag.

Aurora. Well, what o’ that? A gentleman can get excited without gettin’ married, yer silly kid! (goes to steps)

Tupper. Ah, but ‘e put on a new frock coat, an’ a bran noo pair o’ trarsers

Aurora. The dear Doctor! I’ll bet ’e looked a toff! (start on steps)

Tupper. An’ then ’e ’ad a brandy and soda wot for? (up to couch)

Aurora. ’Cos ‘e was thirsty, o’ course, yer silly kite.

Tupper. Thirsty! It was to bring ’im up to the scratch!

Aurora. (aside) The scratch! My ’eart! My ’eart! (top of ladder)

Tupper. I bet my buttons ’e’s enj’ying ’is ’oneymoon in ’is noo clothes, an’ forgotten all abart me an’ mine. (up stage R.)

Aurora. (curiously) Your noo clothes?

Tupper. Yes, I was loored into these under false pretences. When Mrs. O’Hara engaged me, she says she’d let orf ’er ground floor to a very risin’ Doctor.

Aurora. So ’e is! The day will come, ’e’ll be the most risin’ (gesticulates with feather-duster, on steps, nearly falls)

Tupper. Do you want to ’ear abart my trarsers, or do you not? (sits on couch)

Aurora. Yes, Tupper, o’ course I do get ’em orf yer chest.

Tupper. Well, Mrs. O’Hara, she sez, ’e’ll find yer in clothes, she sez, an’ think of all the gratooities

Aurora. Great who?

Tupper. Gratooities from grateful patients shillins an’ ’arf-crowns, she sez. Well, we been at it three months to-day

Aurora. (sadly) An’ not a blessed patient ’as called yet. (comes down)

Tupper. No, but the tailor’s called, lots o’ times, an’ larst time ’e was very cross said ’e’d ’ave these clothes orf me if they wasn’t paid for Lady Day. (crosses to R. of table)

Aurora. Oh! the person! Never mind; the day will come.

Tupper. The day ’as come! (takes up pile of letters)

Aurora. Well, never mind, look at all these all from lady patients, (sits in Doctor’s chair, puts on his eye-glasses)

Tupper. (laughing) Lady patients! Why, they’re bills. That’s the butcher, (puts it down) An’ that’s the chemist.

Aurora. Oh! ’e can read!

Tupper. (puts it down) I know ’em all! (reads) “Cummerbund and Co., Tailors.” Oh lor! That’s me! (drops the pack suddenly) I call it downright selfish of the Doctor to go away and never think of me. (produces crumpled telegram from pocket) Oh, I forgot, this is for you! (hands it to her)

Aurora. Silly kid!

Tupper. Who’s it from? Your young man? (reads wire over Aurora’s shoulder)

Aurora. (opening it) ‘Arf a mo’! It’s from the dear Doctor. (aside) I’d know ’is ’and writing anywheres, it’s sich a sorft ’and. (reads word for word) “Expect me back at half past four and : please have my tea ready.”

Tupper. (counts words on his fingers sadly) There’s extravagance. Blues a tenpence on a telegram, an’ my clothes owin’ for.

Aurora (aside) ’Ave ’is tea ready! That I will! As if I wouldn’t ’ave it ready whenever ’e comes, bless ’im! (stuffs telegram in bosom, then fusses about room, putting things straight, starts scouring bureau)

Tupper. (watching her) I believe you’re in love with the “Dear Doctor.” (picks another fag end off ash-tray and lies on couch smoking it)

Aubora. Oh, go smoke! Little boys should be seen and not heard!

Tupper. Well, any’ow yer always tidyin’ up ‘is things an’ neglectin’ the missus, an’ yer only ’arf ’is, yer know.

(Front door bell rings.)

Aurora. (snatches ladder quickly and goes to the door, saying to herself) ’Arf ’is, indeed! No! It’s all for ’im all for ’im!

(Exit Aurora. L. U. E.)

Tupper. (laughs) That’s sure to be for the missus. She ’as lots o’ callers. She’s a widder. If I was a woman, I’d be a widder. (jumps off couch) Oh lor, if it’s the tailor, (crosses to fire, stands back to it, legs apart) I wouldn’t mind so much, only I sold my old clothes to ’ave a bit on a dead cert, wot didn’t come orf dead certs never do I wish my clothes was a dead cert.

(Enter Aurora. followed by Pearl. then Ruby. then Plant. in single file. Tupper works behind arm-chair and gets up stage and puts out cigarette)

Aurora. (aside) Our fust! (fussily shaking sofa cushions, standing behind sofa) Take your seats, please! (motions girls to sit)

(Ruby sits r. of Pearl.)

Make yourselves quite at home and don’t be frightened.

(Girls turn round and stare at her.)

’E’ll treat yer kindly ’e’s got sich a sorft ’and! (soothingly to Ruby) Would yer like a cup o’ tea, miss, to buck yer up? Ruby. No, thank you.

Aurora. (to Ruby) Oh, the Doctor allus gives ’is ladies tea.

(Tupper, sitting on couch, bursts out laughing and shoves his handkerchief in his mouth.)

Pearl. No, thank you.

Plant. (looking round) Is the Doctor out?

Aubora. (bustling about dusting) Yes, sir.

(Girls rise.)

But ’e’ll be back at ’arf past, if the ladies’ll kindly wait.

(Girls sit.)

’E’s been called orf to see a lady who couldn’t wait.

(Tupper same Bus. Aurora goes to him.)

Plant. (coughs.) Ahem! That will do. (aside) Fancy setting up for a ladies’ Doctor in Pimlico! How can he earn bread and butter in Marmalade Street. N, too!

Aurora. (to Tupper) ’Old yer row! They’re lady patients. ’Appy girls! I wonder what they’ve got?

Tupper. Nuffiin’. They’re a bit off all right! (laughs)

Aurora. (sadly) Are they, Tupper? Then why do they come ’ere?

Plant. (aside) What has he done to deserve a rich Aunt who has instructed me to draw up a deed settling a thousand a year on him? It’s disgusting! (sits, head on hand)

Tupper. (sees Plant. head on hand aside to Aurora) Oh, p’raps it’s ‘im! (comes to him) Anythin’ wrong with yer ’ead? (touches his hair)

(Girls laugh Plant looks dumbfounded.)

Aurora. The Doctor’s wonderful clever for ’eads. (same Bus.)

Plant. Don’t do that!

Tupper. Yus, ’e cured mine in a jiffy. I rekkemmend ’im to all my friends.

Plant. Ah, then I presume Doctor Sheppard has a large practice.

Aurora. (cheerily) Oh yes, sir, ’e’s allus practisin’ ’e practised all larst week on the milkman’s baby. It ’ad the direfearier, sir, in its throat, and the Doctor was afraid the cows’d catch it and spile the milk. ’E stopped up all night for a week nussin’ that baby. (goes on scouring bureau)

Tupper. Oh, he’s a wonderful gentle gentleman, is the Doctor.

Plant. (aside) A “Gentle Sheppard?” Just what his rich Aunt hopes to find him. I must get a word with Ruby.

Ruby. (to Tupper) Ah, you hear what his grateful patients think of him.

Tupper. (comes down) Grateful patients? (shakes head sadly) No, miss, not yet.

Plant. You carry the medicine round, don’t you?

Tupper. No, sir, not yet.

Pearl. But you’re the Doctor’s boy, aren’t you?

Tupper. No, miss, not yet only ’arf of me, the other ’arf belongs upstairs. You see, the Doctor ends orf where the stair-carpets begin; ‘e shares me with the missus an’ ’e shares the gal too.

Plant. (rises, coughs) Ahem! That will do! Is the room always so full of smoke?

Aurora. (coming to him quickly) Oh yes, sir, wuss generally, (flaps wet flannel in his face) The Doctor’s a wonderful gentleman for smoke, ‘e lies on that couch smokin’ all day long, an’ read in’ this ’ere book, (fetches it) You look at it. (comes down C.)

(Girls go up to her,)

You can’t make ’ead nor tail of it, ‘cep’ the pictures, an’ they is well, there!

Plant. Ahem! That will do! (takes it from her before his daughters see it) What are the Doctor’s hours?

Aurora. I dunno, sir all hours. Sometimes out all day. Sometimes don’t come home all night

Plant. Ahem! That will do!

Tupper. Wednesday ‘e went out, an’ ain’t back yet

Ruby. Two days ago? That lady’s case must be serious! (comes to back of sofa and sits L. end)

Aurora. It is serious, miss, I tell yer. (confidentially) It’s a case of

Plant.. (yells in her ear) Ahem! That will do!

Aurora. Sorry I spoke!

Plant. Very unusual for smoke to hang about for forty-eight hours.

Tupper. Oh,that’s nothin’, sir. ’E’s wonderful unusual in ’is ’abits.

Aurora. ’As a biled egg for ’is dinner orfen. (to Ruby)

Ruby. (to Pearl) Poor fellow! He must be starving!

(Tupper looks admiringly at Ruby. and goes to fire, stands back to it, legs apart.)

Plant., (aside) “Poor fellow!” He’ll be rich enough before the day’s out. It’s hard not to tell one’s own daughter but I mustn’t betray a professional confidence.

Tupper. (aside) Fine gels! (to Ruby) ’E’ll be wonderful glad to see you, Miss.

Ruby. How do you know?

Tupper. ’Cos ‘e’s settin’ up as a ladies’ Doctor. miss, an’ you’re the fust callers we’ve ever ’ad. (aside) Bar the tailor.

Ruby. The first? (to Pearl) He is starving!

Aurora. Oh, ’e’ll cure yer, whatever yer got. (crosses to Plant) He’s wonderful clever. ’E’d see through you, sir, weskit an’ all. ’E don’t hax no hex rays to tell ’im. (to Ruby) ’E knows all what’s goin’ on in yer innards

Plant. Ahem! That will do. Er no doubt, no doubt.

Tupper. No bloomin’ doubt, sir. (going to him) But I do ’ope you’ll pay afore leavin’ ’cos it’s Lady Day, an these ’ere clothes ain’t paid for yet an’ if they ain’t they’re a-comin’ orf.

Plant. That’ll do! We don’t want to hear any fairy tales.

Tupper. (sadly) There ain’t no tails about these ’ere. (looking at his jacket) It’s a norrible fac’!

Plant. You can go (to Tupper) both of you. (to Aurora)

Aurora. (having fetched pail to Tupper) Come aw’y, you talk too much. I’m the Doctor’s local demon when ’e’s aw’y.

(Exeunt Tupper and Aurora.)

Plant. Nice sort of servants for a Doctor to have. (puts book on couch)

Pearl. (to Ruby. who is reading a letter) Who’s that from?

Ruby. Lieutenant Merry!

Pearl. Oh, let me read it!

(They read it together.)

Plant. (aside) A thousand a year for an unbusinesslike young fool, and here am I, her own cousin’s husband, and she’s never given me a penny, except what I’ve borrowed. (Bus. with pocket hairbrush, mirror at back) I did think my chance had come when she sent for me to Cumberland. I got the hair-dresser to touch out all the grey ones, thinking I might fetch the old girl, but as soon as she saw me she was very rude, called me a fright, and began asking some damned awkward questions about my late wife’s trust money. Just my luck! (sits at writing table)

Pearl. (reading from letter which Ruby holds) “And, my darling Ruby if your father dies” there’s not much “if” about it. He does. (taps her hair) I’ve seen the bottle.

(Both giggle.)

Plant. (aside, looking in pocket mirror) So I took the next train back to Southsea, and romped my daughters up to town. If Ruby can only hook the Doctor before the Aunt arrives, I’m saved if she can’t I’m ahem!

Ruby. (aside to Pearl) And only think, Pearl. when he’s an Admiral, I shall be Lady Merry perhaps a Duchess!

Pearl. But, father

Ruby. Oh, he’ll be delighted. We’re keeping it as a surprise for his birthday.

Pearl. He’ll be 63 next birthday he looks more like 36.

(Both laugh.)

Plant. (to them) Stop that silly giggling! (crosses over to the two, sends Pearl across to table) Go and sit over there. Ruby. my precious jewel, I have something very solemn to say while we are waiting to see the Doctor.

Ruby. (jumping up, excitedly) Pa, don’t say you’ve brought us for the Doctor to sound us.

Pearl. (quietly, sitting still) He shan’t sound me!

Plant. On the contrary, I’ve brought you to sound the Doctor, (pulls Ruby down again and sits r. of her on couch)

Ruby. (excitedly) What about?

Plant. You are aware that although we are strangers to Doctor
Sheppard, he is our cousin.

Ruby. Second cousin, pa!

Pearl. On mother’s side.

Ruby. Three times removed.

Plant. Well, well, let us hope he won’t be so far removed in the future. I regret very deeply that we have never yet enjoyed the friendship of er dear cousin Jack.

Pearl. You have frequently remarked, it was not worth while to cultivate any of our poor relations.

Plant. (hotly) Do you want your pocket money stopped? The fact is. Pearl. you’re bringing my grey hairs (stroking his black locks)

Pearl. (quietly) Your what?

Plant. (jumping up) I stop your pocket money for a month! Ooh! (puts his hand to his back) This lumbago is unbearable. When a man gets to my time of life

Pearl. (quietly) What time is it now?

Plant. (hotly) I stop your pocket money for three months!

Pearl. (rises) Really, father, a solicitor should be more cautious. I meant to say the time is getting on, (points to clock and crosses to couch stands behind Ruby) and you have not yet informed us of the “very solemn” something you have to say.

Plant. I accept your explanation without prejudice. (stands R. of couch) I say when a man gets to my time of life the future happiness of his offspring becomes an all-engrossing theme. You are aware that when exalted personages contemplate a matrimonial alliance, they neyer look outside the family. Living as we do, in so fashionable a resort as Southsea, we cannot be too er “tony” in such important matters. Now you are both as I know, being your father heart-free.

(Pearl digs Ruby hard in the ribs.)

Ruby. (crying out) Oh!

Plant. How dare you interrupt me!

Ruby. I didn’t, pa, it was

Pearl. Sneak! (pinching her arm) Ruby. It was nothing!

(Pearl sits in big armchair.)

(aside to Pearl) Little cat!

Plant. I accept your explanation, without prejudice. You have heard from that stupid Buttons what a noble character the Doctor bears, and no man is a hero to his his Buttons. The one thing the Doctor wants is a wife.

Pearl. To look after his buttons?

Plant. Silence, miss! And you, my dear Ruby, my favourite, I mean my first-born, have all the qualifications for a Doctor’s wife.

Ruby. A Doctor’s wife? (looks at Pearl)

Plant. It has always been the dream of my life to see you united in matrimony to dear Jack.

Ruby. Cheap Jack! He hasn’t a penny!

Plant. Oh hasn’t he? er (aside) Nearly let it out that time, (to her) I mean should he be clever enough to win my Ruby. my Ruby mine er this afternoon, he will be rich beyond the dreams of avarice. Alas, I have no dowry to give you, save the blessing of your dear old your dear fond, fond father, (kisses her forehead) But only obey me in this, and Lady Fortune will smile on us all smile smile.

Ruby. (bursts into tears) I can’t smile I won’t! (turns to
Pearl)

Pearl. (comes to meet her aside to her) Of course you won’t I’ll get you out of it.

Plant. (angrily) Stop that silly crying. He’ll be in soon, and you look a perfect fright with your eyes all red. You’ve never obeyed me in your life either of you but I’ve made up my mind this time, and damme I’ll make you obey me. I swear that dear cousin Jack shall be my son-in-law. (crosses C.)

Pearl. (going quietly to him, standing between him and Ruby) If such is your determination, I will sacrifice myself.

Plant. (contemptuously) You!

Ruby. (rushing to Pearl) You shan’t!

Pearl. I will what is it after all? Marriages aren’t made in heaven now-a-days.

Ruby. No, no, Pearl. you’re too good. I’d rather marry him myself.

Pearl. You can’t you know you can’t you’re engaged.

Ruby. Sneak! (pinches her arm)

(Pearl howls.)

Plant. (shouts) Stop quarrelling! Such rivalry between sisters is most unseemly. What do I dress you alike for?

Pearl. To save expense.

Plant. No, miss, to save jealousy, and I’ll have no Jealousy about this. Settle it amicably between you, (aside, crosses to R.) Good idea! They’ll go it faster without me. I’ll leave ’em alone with him. (aloud) Dear, dear, I’ve forgotten something I particularly want to show Jack. I’ll step over to our apartments

Ruby. Pa, you can’t leave us alone in a bachelor’s room!

Plant. Hang it, you’re cousins, and you’re two to one. Now, remember, one of you two must marry Jack that’s my last word, and you know my word, like my profession, is law!

(Exit Plant.)

Pearl. We’ve got a nice thing in fathers, (looking out of window) He’s brought us up to London to put us on the market

Ruby. Yes, and by a cheap excursion. (goes L.)

Pearl. Now we know why we’ve come to encamp just across the street it’s to lay siege to a penniless cousin. (picks up “Quayle on Muscles” off couch, takes it to table)

Ruby. (at small table up stage L., opens case, shrieks) Ach! knives!

Pearl. (looks up from book) You wouldn’t do for a Doctor’s wife, whatever Pa says, (looks at picture) Besides, you’re not free, but I am. (sadly)

Ruby. Pearl. there’s Waverly! (coming to her, looking over her shoulder at picture)

Pearl. Yes, there’s Waverly, but he’s (turns to next picture) most disappointing. He’s been staying at Southsea with Lieutenant Merry for a whole week, (turns page) and father’s been away the whole time. (turns page) And I’ve given him every possible encouragement. (looks at picture) At least, of course I didn’t go so far as you did with Lieutenant Merry. You were simply (turns page)

Ruby. (looking at picture) Shocking! (shuts book and puts it back on couch)

Pearl. Yes, you were! (laughs)

Ruby. How dare you! I never gave Andrew the slightest encouragement, (sits on sofa)

Pearl. My dear Ruby. I judge by results. He proposed to you the second day. (comes and sits by her on sofa)

Ruby. What about you? You let Waverly kiss you.

Pearl. Only once just there; (touches her cheek) and that was after a dance, which doesn’t count. No, I’ve gone as far with Mr. Vane as any girl, who isn’t a born flirt, (pointedly looking at Ruby) can go, and he’s said nothing yet So I’m going to get father to invite Doctor Sheppard down to Southsea, and I’ll flirt desperately with him.

(Ruby crosses C.)You see, I shall be obeying father I shall get you out of your difficulty, and it will force Waverly to say something definite, (sits on the word)

Ruby. Oh, Pearl! What a clever idea! (thinks) Andrew hasn’t been quite so attentive since I accepted him. And, as you say, dear papa must be obeyed, so I’ll flirt with Doctor Sheppard too, before Andrew it’ll do him a world of good.

Pearl. Doctor Sheppard!

Ruby. No, Andrew, of course. Oh, Pearl. I wonder how they’re getting on without us? Do they ever talk about us, do you think?

Pearl. Of course they do everybody talks about us in Southsea.

Andrew. (heard off) Not in? P’raps he’s got a patient. (laughs)

Ruby. It’s Andrew! How do I look? (jumps up and looks in mirror)

(Pearl tries to pull her away from it Enter Andrew. followed by Waverly.)

Waverly. (looking at girls’ backs and nudges Andrew) P’raps he’s got two patients.

Andrew. Oh, Susannah! (takes double stethoscope off table, aside to Waverly) Let’s have a lark. I’ll pretend to be the Doctor.

Waver. No, no, never joke about business, (scuffles to get stethoscope)

(Ruby looks round.)

Andrew. Ruby! (goes to her with outstretched arms)

(Pearl looks round.)

Waver. (aside) Pearl! Oh, lor! (goes down r.) Pearl. (coyly) Mr. Vane! What attraction has brought you all the way from Southsea? (follows him)

(Waverly looks confused.)

Andrew. (to Ruby) What’s brought you? We called at Clarence Parade this morning and found that you’d flown up to London by the excurs the early train, so we thought what a lark it’d be to run up on the chance of meeting you.

Waver. We didn’t expect to find you at the Doctor’s.

Andrew. No. (to Ruby. anxiously) Are you ill?

Ruby. (laughing) No.

Waver, (to Pearl. wearily) Don’t say it’s you.

Pearl. I’m never ill. What’s the matter with you?

Waver. I’ve only come with Andrew, (tries to cross to
Andrew)

(Pearl pulls him back.)

Ruby. (screams) Oh Andrew. then it’s you!!! What’s the matter with you?

Andrew. (laughing) Nothing! Sound me if you like. (offers stethoscope)

Ruby. But why have you come to see a Doctor?

Andrew. (laughs) I haven’t I’ve brought Vane to introduce him to my old school-fellow, dear old, serious, studious, short-sighted, absent-minded Jack Sheppard.

Ruby and Pearl. (together) You know Jack?

Waver, and Andrew. (surprised) Jack?

Ruby. Cousin Jack! Didn’t you know?

Andrew. No, you never told us you had any cousins. What a lark! Jack’s my greatest friend because we’re such opposites, I suppose. I call him Dull Boy, because “all work and no play makes Jack--” see? Rather smart for me, and he calls me “Merry Andrew” Andrew Merry Merry Andrew see? Oh, that was Jolly smart for Jack only joke he ever made.

(Ruby sits on couch Andrew behind couch.)

Waver. Why have you never mentioned his name?

Ruby. We haven’t seen him since he was a little boy in kilts.

Pearl. We saw lots of him then, we were both of us awfully in love with him.

Ruby. And we’re longing to see him again! (pointedly)

Andrew. (laughing) Oh, are you? Well, I shan’t be jealous of serious old Jack.

Ruby. (aside) Oh, won’t you?

(Ruby and Pearl exchange looks, smiling.)

Waver. Where is he?

Ruby. (quickly) He won’t be back till half-past (coyly) How shall we kill time?

Andrew. I know, come and shoot tin dickie-birds at the
Aquarium I must have exercise.

Ruby. Oh, what fun! Come along!

(Exeunt Ruby and Andrew.)

Waver. (breaking away aside) I shall never have the pluck to break it to her that I’ve got engaged to another girl.

Pearl. (looking at door, then at Waverly, drops Tier eyes)
Well!

Waver. (stands facing audience, back to writing table to her) Miss Plant. there’s something I want to say to you something I I I don’t know how to say it.

Pearl. (coquettishly) Then don’t say it. Write me a little note, (taps his arm, goes to table, holds up note-paper and pen)

Waver. Thanks awfully! (sits and writes)

(Pearl walks away.)

(Pauses, aside, alarmed) Does she mean business? She’s not a lawyer’s child for nothing. She might make a Breach of Promise out of this, (tears up letter and pockets the pieces) I’d better blurt it out. (goes to her) I say, it’s not er it’s not that.

Pearl. Not what?

Waver. I mean er (absently takes from his pocket a kodak made like a large turnip watch, and fumbling nervously with it) I mean I’ve been and got er I’ve been and got

Pearl. A watch?

Waver. No. (aside) But it’ll gain time, thank goodness.

Pearl. What is it? Do tell me.

Waver. A detective camera that defies detection.

Pearl. (rises) Oh, what fun! (takes it from him) Let’s go and take snap-shots at Andrew and Ruby when they’re not looking, then they shall take us when we’re not looking, (takes his arm)

(Enter Tupper.)

Waver. (aside) She does mean business.

(Exeunt Waverly and Pearl.)

Tupper. (looking after them) I don’t like the look of those two gents, (takes cigarette end off ash-tray, lights it) They’ve gorn and eloped with the fust two customers we’ve ’ad. (lies on operating couch) Oh, well, I don’t interfere with other people’s business. I got enough to do to look after my own.

(Enter Doctor in high hat, frock coat, overcoat, carrying a Gladstone bag, looks as if he had something on his mind.)

(Jumping off couch) I am glad to see you back, sir.

Doctor. Thank you, Tupper a kind boy unpack these, (hands him bag)

Tupper. (finds bag very heavy, drops it down by bureau, opens bottom drawer, looks in, aside) Empty must ’ave pawned the lot to buy the noo ones, (takes out pile of books and papers and one collar) I wonder if ’e’s spliced, ’e looks un’appy enough. I’ll arsk ’im. (chucks books, MSS., collar, etc., into drawer, anyhow, crosses on tiptoe to Doctor) ’Ave yer brought ’er with yer, sir?

Doctor. (swinging round on revolving chair facing Tupper, who has backed to bureau alarmed) Don’t talk, I’m busy! (opening his letters aside) Can that boy have guessed? No, how could he? (picks up Cummerbund’s letter)

Tupper. (aside) ’E’s got the letter! (closes drawer)

Doctor. (throwing down letters savagely) Bills, bills, bills nothing but bills! (walks up and down shying things about)

Tupper. (aside, stealing out on tiptoe) It’s my last day out o’ bed, I know it is.

(Exit Tupper.)

Doctor. (takes card out of mirror) “Sir Peter and Lady Quayle request the pleasure ” That’s what did it, that dinner of Quayle’s. Sir Peter told me over dessert, that for the first six months after he started in practice, he was starving. Then he met a young governess who was starving too, and with what their friends called “sublime imprudence” they got married. And he never looked behind him after. Then he said if I meant to get on as a gynaecologist, I must get married. “Your wife will prove a mascotte like mine did,” he said, “and patients will flow in simply flow in.” Well, I believe in Quayle. That was Tuesday night; on Wednesday I ran down to Lowesloft, proposed to Flo on Thursday, we were secretly married this morning at the Registry Office, she’s gone back to her people, and I’ve come back to town; and what do I find? Nothing but bills, and I can’t pay one of them. After settling for the special license, my fare back to town, and that telegram to Aurora. (feels in pocket, produces coppers) I’ve got sevenpence half-penny in the wide world and a wife! It’s all Quayle’s fault! Damn Quayle! I’ll never believe in him again. I don’t even know where my next meal is coming from, (walks up and down)

(Enter Aurora with the tea goes to small tea-table.)

Aurora. ’Ere’s yer tea, sir. I was glad to get your telegram. Mrs. O’Hara was getting quite anxious about you.

Doctor. (aside) About her rent, more likely.

Aurora. She wondered where you’d got to, but I knew, sir. ’Ow is the pore lady? Do you think she’ll get over it, Doctor?

Doctor. Don’t talk, my good girl, I’m busy, (cuts bread)

Aurora (getting behind couch aside) “’Is good girl,” that I am, it’s all for ’im. I know ’e’s starving. ’E goes for that stale quartern like the pore prodigal gentleman with the ’usks, but I’ve got a treat for ’im, that there card put it in my ’ead. (points to Quayle’s card in mirror) I’ve bought ’im a beautiful bird, that’ll give ’im a relish, (to Doctor) Couldn’t you fancy something light with yer tea, sir? (back of couch)

Doctor. Yes, I think I could I’ll finish that tin of potted pig I left, (rises, gets cC)

Aurora. (aside) My stars! An’ Tupper’s ate it!

Doctor. (opens drawer of bureau) Hullo! It’s gone!

Aurora. (to him) G-gone bad, sir.

Doctor. (suspiciously) Gone bad?

Aurora. Yes, sir, an’ I’ve fr fr

Doctor. Fried it?

Aurora. No, sir, frowed it away!

Doctor. All of it? (goes to medicine chest)

Aurora. Yes, sir, all of it. (one step back, nods hard)

Doctor. (aside) She’s eaten it. (to her) Aurora. show me your tongue. H’m! you’d better take this. (pours out a draught)

Aurora. (aside, rapturously) ’Is patient at larst! (takes it)
Thank you, sir. (gasps) I’ve touched ’is ’and.

Doctor. You won’t like it.

Aurora. I will, sir, if I die arter it. (aside) I’m in seven ’eavens already! (drinks, pulls an awful face) It’s all for ’im!

(Doctor puts glass back, Auroratakes big lump of sugar from tea-table.)

Doctor. (seriously) You might have died of ptomaine poisoning, eating that decayed tinned stuff, (crosses to sofa, sits again)

Aurora. Oh, sir, I never touched a mossel. (big lump in her cheek)

Doctor. (surprised) You didn’t eat it?

Aurora. Not me, sir! I ain’t no thief! (takes another lump)

Doctor. (smiles) Well, never mind. That won’t hurt you.

Aurora. Please, sir, (looking at him fondly hesitatingly) Mrs. O’Hara, she arsked me to say as it’s Lady day, would you allow ’er

Doctor. I know something on account.

Aurora. Oh, no, sir would you allow her to send up a beautiful bird for yer tea?

Doctor. No, thanks, I I’ve just dined, (eats ravenously)

Aurora. (aside) Lord forgive ’im. (watches him eating)

Doctor. (aside) Mrs. O’Hara has tried that dodge before, but
I’m not taking any.

Aurora. I’m sure you’d like it, sir, it’s a quail on toast.

Doctor. (aside, jumping up) Quail on toast!’ Damn it! Do you want to drive me mad? (shouts to her) No! Go! (sits and pours out another cup)

Aurora. (aside) No go. ’E don’t love me, or ’e wouldn’t say that?

(Bell rings.)

Oh, that bell! (comes back and quickly removes the things)

Doctor. (still holding teapot in left hand) What are you doing now?

Aurora. Clearing away, sir, in case it’s for you.

(Exit Aurora with tea-tray.)

Doctor. What’s she done that for? I wish Flo was here to look after me. It was hard to leave her at Lowestoft, (takes photo from pocket, stands it up before him on table) Dear little Flo! The one girl I’ve loved all my life! (arm outstretched, teapot in L. hand) To think that you’re my wife at last! (slowly closing his arms) My wife! (hugging teapot, yowls) It seems too good to be true. And where are the patients Quayle said would flow In? Simply flow In! (waves teapot, tea, goes all over the stage) Hello! its flowing out.

(Enter Plant.)

(loudly) I say, where are my patients? (loudly, coming down stage, not seeing Plant)

Plant. (more loudly) And I say where are my daughters?

Doctor. (seeing him) My first! Quayle’s right, after all. (comes to Plant teapot in hand, assumes professional air) Good afternoon, won’t you sit down? (seats himself and writing table, puts teapot on blotter. He is always absent-minded when absorbed in his science)

Now! (earnestly) What can I do for you? What’s the trouble, eh?

Plant. (aside) Well, upon my word, he’s a cool customer. (stands R. of table)

Doctor. Come, come, let’s hear what it is, or how I can help you; you know I’m in the habit of hearing confidences, (sees teapot, puts it under table)

Plant. (indignantly) Sir, I’m a father!

Doctor. (bowing) Sir, I congratulate you. (writes “Father” on note pad to Plant cheerfully) Is it a boy or a girl?

Plant. (hotly) Two girls, sir.

Doctor. Dear, dear, I sympathize with you. (makes a note “two girls") Mother doing well?

Plant. (gesticulating wildly) The mother’s dead, sir!

Doctor. (with sympathy) Ah, now I understand your agitation, (makes note) And the twins are they well?

Plant. (wildly) Damn it, Sir, they’re not twins, and I’ve lost ’em.

Doctor. Dear, dear! (aside) Lost his wife and both the poor little babies, (writing on note pad)

Plant. (chokingly) Only half an hour ago, and I’ve come to you

Doctor. (putting up his hand) No, no, if your own Doctor won’t grant a certificate, it’s no use coming to me. (tears up notes)

Plant. I tell you I left ’em here, on this sofa.

Doctor. (rises indignantly) Oh my sofa! Then you’d no business to. How dare you leave the poor things lying on my sofa? Where are they? (looking under sofa cushions)

Plant. Hang it, sir, that’s what I’ve come to ask you. What have you done with them?

(Enter Tupper.)

Tupper. (to Doctor) Please, sir, Mrs. O’Hara says (hands him her account book)

Plant. (seizing Tupper) Where are my daughters? (crosses C, shaking Tupper threatening him with big stick)

Tupper. I dunno, sir give it up.

Plant. No prévarications! You saw the two young ladies.

Doctor. (surprised) Two young ladies! I see now!

Tupper. Are you their father, sir? I didn’t think you was old enough.

Plant. (pleased, releases him, pats his head) Good lad! (crosses down L.)

Doctor. Where have they gone, Tupper?

Tupper, I dunno, sir they was fetched.

Plant. Fetched? Who by? (rushing at Tupper furiously)

Tupper. I dunno, sir, two gentlemen they didn’t leave no name, they simply come, saw the ladies –­and carried ’em off.

(Bus. Plant threatening Tupper Tupper arm up.)

(Exit Tupper quickly.)

Doctor. (aside) Just my luck lost two cases!

Plant. A plot, sir a vile plot whoever the scoundrels are, they shall pay heavily for this wounded heart.

Doctor. (seriously) Heart? Cardiac? (hand on Plant’s heart, listens)

Plant. (half crying, on Doctor’s arm) My precious jewels! Two dear girls, Doctor. who have never caused me a moment’s uneasiness all their blessed lives.

Doctor. Apparently not. Hadn’t you better go and look for them?

Plant. (excitedly walks up and down) Ah, you are not a father

Doctor. (aside, looking through microscope) Hope not only married this morning.

Plant. or you couldn’t stand there unmoved. I am struck down in the flower of my days; this is a stroke, sir, a fatal stroke. Ach! (cries out with pain puts hands to his back)

Doctor. That’s not a stroke that’s lumbago.

Plant. (hotly) Hang it, sir, I speak in parables I’m not a patient!

Doctor. Not a patient! Then what do you come here for? Parables are no good to me. I’ve got my living to earn! (rings bell) Good afternoon!

(Enter Aurora.)

Aurora. ’Ere’s a letter for you, sir.

Doctor. (taking it) Thanks, and show this gentleman out.

Aurora. Very good, sir, we are busy to-day, sir. (to Plant)
This way out. (at door)

Plant. (to Doctor) You little know whom you are insulting. Some day, sir, your eyes will be opened and you will discover that the country cousin

(Aurora listens and mimics him.)

whom you spurned from your door, was none other than a fairy prince, who will this very day lift you from the slough of grovelling poverty to the realms of affluence and prosperity. Good day, sir!

(Aurora crosses and exits behind Plant.)

Doctor. (alone) “This very day” “Affluence and prosperity” “fairy prince” oh, he’s off his dot! (looks at postmark) “Ambleside.” Why, it’s from (rises and crosses L.) Aunt Susannah! “My dear Nephew: I have heard glowing accounts of your success.” My success! “I long to see my brilliant nephew I’m coming up to London to-morrow.” To-morrow to-morrow, (looks at calander) that’s Saturday, good job it’s not to-day. Mrs. O’Hara’s got an Irish party on upstairs and Aunt Susie’s so awfully quiet she can’t stand the slightest noise, (reads) “It is my constant joy to know that you are devoting your days and I daresay many of your nights to the noble work of alleviating human suffering.” (looks at her picture reads) “I mean to do all that my money can do to help you to pursue your glorious profession with everything in your favor.” Its too good to be true! (rises) No, it isn’t Quayle’s right again! Flo has brought me luck, and on our wedding day! (pause) The very day! That’s what that silly old man with the dyed hair meant. By Jove! he is a fairy prince! Oh, Flo, Flo, what a honeymoon we’ll have! (dances all over the room with delight, seizing a sofa cushion to dance with)

(Enter Aurora. followed by Ruby. Pearl. Waverly and Andrew in single file.)

Aurora. The Doctor’ll see you directly. Take your seats, please.

(Ruby and Pearl sit on couch, Ruby L. of Pearl; Andrew and Waverly R. C, laughing.)

TABLEAU.

Doctor. (stops dancing suddenly aside) Quayle’s right again! They’re flowing in, simply flowing in! (sits at table to Waverly down r.) Good afternoon. Won’t you sit down?

(Waverly sits O. P. corner.)

Now what can I do for you? What’s the trouble, eh?

Andrew. (behind Doctor. slaps him on back, laughing) What do you take us for, Dull Boy?

Doctor. (turning round) Why, it’s Merry Andrew!

Andrew. Of course it is! How are you? This is Mr. Vane, old friend of mine.

Waver. (other side of Doctor) How are you? (shakes hands)

Doctor. (between them) Not a patient? (to Andrew) Who are the ladies?

Waver. Don’t you know your own cousins?

Doctor. (mystified) Cousins, what cousins?

Ruby. (coming down L. of him Andrew gives way) Second cousins.

Pearl. (coming down r. of him Waver, gives way) On mother’s side.

Doctor. I know, you’re the Plants from Southsea? But how could I recognise you? I haven’t seen you for so long.

Pearl. (making eyes at Doctor) We hope to see you every day now; we’re in town for a week.

Doctor. (aside) What does she make eyes at me like that for?

Ruby. Yes, just across the road dear Jack!

Doctor. (aside) “Dear Jack?” This is very sudden! (to them)
Er have some tea? (rings bell on table)

Pearl. Oh, thank you. I love tea.

(Girls go to sofa Boys follow.)

(Enter Aurora.)

Doctor. Some more tea, please, Aurora hot, strong and quick!

Aurora. Yes, sir hot, strong and quick, (dives under knee-hole of table)

Doctor. What are you doing there?

Aurora. (coming through) Getting out the teapot, sir.

TABLEAU. (Exit Aurora.)

Doctor. (back of sofa, to Ruby) And have you come up from
Portsmouth with Merry Andrew?

Ruby. (confused) No of course not, my dear Jack!

Doctor. But aren’t you eh?

Andrew. (laughs) You’ve guessed it in once, Dull Boy! But it’s a secret.

Doctor. (pleased) I’m never wrong in a diagnosis. (shakes hands with Andrew) I congratulate you. (looks at Pearl) And you and Mr. Vane are (shaking hands with Waverly) I congratulate you

(Pearl shakes her head.)

Er I mean I beg your pardon.

Waver. Don’t mention it.

Andrew. You were having a jolly good caper when we came in; what’s up?

Doctor. She’s coming! (waves hand vaguely towards picture and sits on sofa between girls)

(Enter Aurora with tea.)

Andrew. (laughing) Oh, you’ve got a “she,” have you? You dog! (back at sofa)

Aurora. (aside) ’E’s got a she! (gasps audibly)

Ruby. Dear Jack!

Andrew. (to her) Here, not so much of your “dear Jack!”

Ruby. Don’t be absurd, Andrew. he’s my cousin.

(Andrew goes C.)

I congratulate you with all my heart, dear Jack! (kisses him)

(Aurora gasps again, louder.)

Pearl. And I congratulate you too! (kisses him)

( Aurora gasps a third time, loudest, and puts tray on tea-table, upsetting milk jug onto tray. Takes everything off tray quickly, pours spilt milk back into jug, wipes tray and mops milk off floor with apron, goes to fire and wrings out apron in fireplace.)

Doctor. (rises, goes up) You’ve got something on your chest,
Aurora

Aurora. Yes, sir. (takes out loaf of bread and puts it on the table)

Doctor. I must give you a tonic.

Aurora. (with fervour) Oh, do, sir. (goes C., aside) ’Is patient again! I wonder what colour it’ll he this time? (to Doctor as he hands her the draught) Will this ’ere mix with that there, sir? (pointing at it)

Doctor. (snatching it back) No, I’m hanged if it will!1 (puts it down)

Aurora (aside) I was a little silly to speak. I did want to touch ’is ’and again. ’E’s got sich a sorft ’and!

(Exit Aurora. sadly.)

Ruby. And what is your lady-love like?

Doctor. (pointing to Aunt’s picture) That!

Pearl. Oh, isn’t she pretty! (looks at Ruby grimacing) Who is she?

Doctor. My maiden Aunt Susannah!

Andrew. Oh, Susannah! Now you’re having a lark with us.

Doctor. No, I’m not I leave larking to you. She’s coming to-morrow.

Waver. To-morrow? We’ve got a box at the Hippodrome; you must come and bring your Aunt.

Andrew. Yes, we’ll trot her round.

(Doctor handing cigarettes to Andrew. who hands them to Waverly, and Waverly to girls.)

Doctor. No, no, she’s not a trotter. She lives at Ambleside, and she’s awfully quiet.

(Pearl takes a cigarette from Waverly, strikes match on her shoe, lights it.)

She’d think a visit to the Ballad Concerts was reckless dissipation, and if she saw a girl riding a bicycle or smoking a cigarette she’d say (sees Ruby and Pearl stops confused) I I don’t know what she’d say.

Andrew. (roars and slaps him on the back) Just the same serious old Jack. You must come out with Vane and me to-night.

(Doctor writhes when Andrew slaps him.)

Waver. Yes, we’ll paint London red for you it’s the season for spring-cleaning.

Doctor. With pleasure, but mind you, no larks after to-night. I know what a fellow you are for practical jokes, but if you played any joke on Auntie, I’d never forgive you. She’s one of the best, and I want her to enjoy her visit in her own quiet way. (looks through microscope)

Andrew. So she shall, old fellow! We’ll take her to the Zoo to see the lions fed.

Pearl. That will be quiet!

(All laugh.)

Doctor. (aside) Where’s that specimen? (rings bell) Oh, I remember, in there (points to door R. I. E., to them) Will you excuse me for a moment?

(Exit R. U. E.)

(Andrew crosses to sofa, Pearl pulls Waverly on to sofa. The Quartette sit around tea-table, talking and laughing.)

(Enter Aurora.)

Aurora. (aside) Where’s the dear Doctor? What have they done with him?

Andrew. (who has his arm round Ruby. aside to Waverly) Lend me your detective camera?

Aurora. (aside) Detective? I’m in this it’s all for ’im! (hides behind operating couch)

Waver. Here, no larks, Merry Andrew. what do you want it for? (nervously indicating that Pearl’s taken his arm and put it round her waist)

Andrew. (with smothered laughter) I’ll show you! (takes it from him)

(Waverly nervous tries to get his arm away Andrew takes snap-shot at Aunt’s picture, Aurora watching, her eyes just above couch.)

All over!

(Aurora bobs down.)

Ruby. What’s the joke?

Andrew. I’m going to that wig-maker fellow to get him to make me up just like this snap-shot of that picture, he’ll do it in half an hour, dress and all. I’ll come back before you’re gone, and Jack’ll think I’m his “she.”

Aurora. (aside) Will he? Not if I can help it! (bobs down)

Andrew. And you’ll all be larking and smoking and kicking up no end of a row, and poor old Jack’s serious face’ll be a study.

Aurora. (aside) Will he? I’ll learn you to make fun of the dear
Doctor. see if I don’t! (creeps to door)

(Exit Aurora. unobserved.)

(Re-enter Doctor Waverly withdraws his arm suddenly, Pearl puts it back.)

Pearl. (to Doctor) Jack?

(Doctor doesn’t hear, absorbed in microscope.)

Jack, dear, has any one been here while we were away? (toying with Waverly’s hand)

Doctor. (still looking through microscope) Only a Billy old lunatic with dyed hair and a touch of lumbago.

Ruby and Pearl. (jumping up suddenly) Father!

(Andrew sits on couch with Waverly.)

Doctor. (aside) Oh, lor! (aloud) I’m awfully sorry I didn’t know he was your father, he said he was a fairy prince.

Pearl. How like him! (laughs)

Ruby. Where’s he gone?

Doctor. To look for someone I think it was you. (points to
Waverly and Andrew)

Pearl. Had he his big walking stick? (seriously)

Doctor. (nods) He had! He practised with it on Tupper.

Andrew and Waveb. (together, rising) I think we had better be going now.

Ruby. (to Andrew) Yes, do, you don’t know papa when he’s roused.

(Waverly looks around nervously and goes up.)

Andrew. Oh, I’m not afraid, but I’ve an appointment. (winking and smiling)

Ruby. (smiling) With a lady? (pointing at picture)

Andrew. (smiling) Yes!

Waver. I’ll come with you, I’d like to see her.

Andrew. Right! Shan’t be long, Jack, and when we come back we’re going to take you out to have one jolly good caper for the last, (slaps him hard on back.)

Doctor. (absently) The last before Auntie comes.

Andrew. (laughing and nudging Waver.) As you say, before Auntie comes.

(Exit Andrew and Waverly.)

Pearl. (to Ruby) He’s looking at us! Suppose he’s fallen in love with us!

Ruby. He mustn’t for worlds father would accept him at once!

Pearl. (to Ruby) We must be very distant cousins now.

(Girls sit on sofa.)

Doctor. (aside) I’m no match for the two of ’em. (sits on couch between girls cheerily) Now make yourselves quite at home, let me give you some more tea? (to Ruby.)

Ruby. (freezingly) No, thank you. (moves to armchair)

(Pearl goes to window and looks out.)

Doctor. (C. aside) Very sudden change! What have I done?

Pearl. (looking out of window) Father’s back!

(Bell rings. Ruby and Pearl rush back and sit one on each side of Doctor. cuddling close to him, each holding one of his hands.)

Doctor. (to them) Father’s back? Oh, yes, I know, lumbago!
I’ll cure it.

(Enter Plant.)

Plant. Ah, here you are, my precious jewels!

(Doctor rises, girls rise with him, still holding his hands.)

Sir, accept a father’s thanks!

(Holds out his hand, which Doctor cannot take Bus. then girls release him shaking Doctor’s hand.)

Forgive my harshness this afternoon a father’s feelings, you know.

Doctor. On the contrary, you ought to forgive me I know now how much I owe you my fairy prince!

(Girls laugh and sit on sofa.)

Plant. (quickly) Hush! Not before the girls! (goes to them, stands back of sofa) My precious jewels, how thankful I am to find you safe and well, (aside) I’ll give it you when I get you home. I know all! (to Doctor) Two dear girls, Doctor. who have never given me a moment’s uneasiness all their blameless lives, (aside to Ruby) Have you settled? Which is it to be?

Ruby. (aside to him) Me.

Pearl. (aside to him) And me too!

Plant. (savagely to Pearl) I shall lock you up in our room, miss, for the rest of the day.

Ruby. (ruefully) Oh, papa, how unkind!

Plant. (aside to Ruby) And you too! (aside) I can get on better without you. (to Doctor. stroking their hair) Ah, Doctor. the man who would dare to rob me of my precious jewels, Ruby and Pearl. will have much to answer for.

Doctor. Don’t distress yourself, no man would be so heartless, (looking through microscope)

Plant. Ahem! Not such a fool as he looks! These girls are no match for him. I must get him alone. (aloud) Well, Doctor. we mustn’t waste your precious time; I see you’re busy.

Doctor. No, no, not on a Friday, to-morrow’s my day. (nearly dances, checks himself, aside to Plant) Besides I’m expecting an old school fellow directly, he’s a lieutenant in the navy, and my greatest friend.

(Consternation of Ruby and Pearl.)

You must stop.

Plant. My dear Jack, we should be charmed to meet any friend of yours, but really during our short stay in town we have so many engagements, (to Ruby) Say good-bye and kiss him!

Ruby. I have kissed him once. (rises)

Plant. Good! Do it again for luck!

(Pearl crosses towards Doctor)

Not you! (stops her)

Pearl. (to Plant) I wasn’t going to.

Plant. I wouldn’t trust you.

Pearl. Good-bye, Doctor. I wish you every success. (shakes hands and goes up stage)

Ruby. Good-bye! (pause) Dear Jack! (pause) I (going to kiss him, catches her father’s eye, aside to Plant) I can’t when you’re looking.

Plant. (aside to her) Idiot! (aloud) Come, my precious jewels!

(Puts his arms round them; swing Bus.)

The sunshine of my widowed home, Jack, a humble place, but when you come to visit us at Southsea, you will echo the words of the immortal bard, and join with us in singing, (sings) “Ours is a happy little home!”

(Exit Plant. Ruby and Pearl. all quarrelling loudly_.)_

Doctor. (alone) What a strange man! I wonder why he’s pleaded my cause with Aunt Susannah? (looks at Aunt’s picture, sitting end of sofa) Poor Aunt Susie, when she was quite a girl she fell in love with a man who turned out all wrong; that’s why she’s lived such a lonely life all these years. Dear Aunt Susie! I’ll do all I can to give you a good time, (goes back to microscope)

(Enter Aurora.)

Aurora. (excitedly) If you please, Doctor

Doctor. Don’t bother me now, Aurora. I’m busy.

Aurora. (sadly) I don’t want to bother you, sir, I’ve come to give you warning.

Doctor. You want to leave me?

Aurora. Never, sir, not till I’m took feet front. I want to warn you about that detective, sir, as the gent brought in his pocket. His friend let it off at that picture, sir.

Doctor. (mystified) Let what off?

Aurora. Detective camera, sir, an’ ‘e’s comin’ back dressed up like ’er.

Doctor. (smiling) Who is?

Aurora. ’Im as ’is friend calls “Merry Andrew.” sir.

Doctor. (rubbing his hands) Oh, is he? It’s my profession to cure people, and I’ll cure you, Master Merry Andrew. of this insane love of practical joking, (thumps on table)

Aurora. Do, sir, I don’t believe there’s no ailment, male nor female, what you couldn’t not cure, sir.

Doctor. Thank you, Aurora. (crosses to fire)

Aurora. Excuse the liberty I’ve took, sir, but I thought I’d best warn you, sir, lest when ’e come dressed up, you might think it was it was she and and be disappointed, (half crying)

Doctor. So I should have been very disappointed. (looking at picture) Thank you very much.

Aurora. Still gazin’ at ’is fancy! The time ’as come. It’s now or never I’ll struggle with yer! (gets on chair, looks over into mirror, takes combs from pocket, puts them on, pauses) I do ’ope Tupper was wrong; if ’e’s gorn and married ’er, I’m the miserablest girl in all Pimlico South Belgraviar, I mean, (jumps down)

Doctor. (turning round and seeing her) What on earth are you doing? Do you want to bring the house down?

Aurora. I can’t ’elp my weight, sir.

Doctor. (smiling) What a swell you look, Aurora!

Aurora. (effusively) ’E’s seen my combs my diamond combs, (shakes head to make them sparkle)

Doctor. (laughing) Did Mrs. O’Hara give you those paste things to wear for her party?

Aurora. (disappointed) No, sir, they ain’t for Mrs. O’ara, and they ain’t pastry things, (aside) ’E don’t know diamonds when ’e sees ’em!

Doctor. They’re like those in my Aunt’s picture.

Aurora. (joyfully) Is that your h’Aunt, sir?

Doctor. Yes.

Aurora. Ho! I h’am glad! (aside) There’s ’ope, there’s ’ope!

Doctor. But those combs have gone out since that picture was painted; you’re a long way behind the times a long way. (bursts out laughing and rushes out) Ha! ha! ha!

(Exit Doctor. R. I.E.)

Aurora. (alone, sobbing) I’m “gorn out” “be’ind the times,” there’s no ’ope, I shall never wear ’em again (takes them off) But I’ll ’ave ’em buried with me. (pockets them) I shall die an old maid now I can’t wait till Tupper’s growed up. Oh, it’s an ’ard world for us maids, a very ’ard world!

(Exit Aurora. sobbing, L.U.E.)

Aunt. (heard off) Is Doctor Sheppard in?

Aurora. (heard off, sobbing) I’ll see, mam, I’ll s-ee!

(Enter Aurora. followed by Aunt Susannah.)

Aunt. (to her) What’s the matter with you, my good girl? (c. up stage)

Aurora. (sobbing) N-othin’, mum. We’re a b-bit b-busier to-day than usual, that’s all.

Aunt. Is this the Doctor’s consulting room? (looks round with affectionate interest sits at his table) Aurora. One of ’em, mum I expect ’e’s in one of the h’inner rooms, engaged with some patients, ’e’s always very busy on a Friday you couldn’t ’ave picked a worse day to come and see the great Doctor. ’Ave you got an appointment?

Aunt. I wrote to him. He expects me about this time.

Aurora. Oh! (Bus. mimicking her intonation) Then I’ll tell him. (knocks at door R.I.E.) A lady to see you, sir.

Doctor. (heard off) All right! Tell him to take a chair.

Aurora. (at door) It ain’t an ’im, it’s an ’er!

Doctor. (heard off, laughing) Oh, then tell her to take the couch.

(Aunt crosses L.C., looks at tea-table.)

Aurora. (aside) The h’operating couch! Pore thing! If it ain’t a h’arm, it’s a leg! (looks at her sympathetically)

Aunt. (looking at picture over door) My picture! How sweet of the dear boy! Oh, Jack, what a happy time we shall have together.

Aurora. (coaxingly) If you please mum, the Doctor says as you’re to take the couch, and he’ll take your case next, mum. (puts her arm round her waist and walks her up to couch)

TABLEAU.

Aunt. (smiling) My case! (sits on sofa) Aurora. Yes, buck up, mum! (slaps her on back)

Aunt. (amused, aside) Am I very pale, I wonder? If I am, it’s with the joy of looking forward to clasping my dear brother’s child in my arms.

Aurora. (kindly) It’ll soon be over. He’ll be very gentle with yer, he’s got sich a sorft ’and. (puts her legs up)

(Enter Doctor.)

Doctor. (sotto voce) Damn good get-up. (loudly) Damn good!

Aurora. (shocked) Oh, Doctor!

Doctor. (to Aurora) Don’t you see? It’s the picture my Aunt
Susie! (points to picture, then to her)

Aurora. (comes to join him, they stand c, backs to audience, roars) So it is, an’ I said, “If it ain’t a h’arm, it’s a leg.” (roars)

Doctor. It’s both arms and both legs, Aurora. and we’ll have ’em off in a twinkling, (takes coat off, rolls up shirt sleeves)

Aunt. (flabbergasted) Both arms! Both legs!

Aurora. Right you are, sir, you fetch the larfin’ gas, while I sharpen the knives, (sharpens two long knives from case against each other)

Aunt. (screams) Knives! Murder! Murder! Let me out!

(Exit quickly.)

Doctor. (calls after her) Don’t go Old Soosie-Toosie!

Aurora. (laughing) We’ve cured him, sir, we’ve cured him!

CURTAIN.