The Equinox (Volume I, Number VIII)

DOCTOR BOB Dr. F. Poor devil! I‘ve known for months that it was all over with him. Mrs. Β. Oh, how dreadful! He's not twenty yet. Dr. F. He never will be. Mrs. Β. In my mind I can see him coming out; Ican feel and understand. Oh, why won‘t Bob let him take hope to his mother? Dr. F. It's a shame. It's silly, useless cruelty. I'd like to punch Bob's head......oh! I beg your pardon, Mrs. Bob—— if he breaks down that fine boy’s courage. Mrs. B. Oh, I quite agree with you. Dr. P. Then I say that he'd be all the better for a dose of his own medicine. [Si/eme. Then MRS. BOB clasp: her hands, gives a little laugh, and cries oni.] Mrs. B. Oh, I‘ve got such a good idea. [The bell rings. Enter JANE, ushered by SERVANT. Dr. F. Well, here you are, Jane. How splendid you’re looking to-day. Fit as fit, eh ? Jane. It's this weather. I do love the snow. I‘m as happy as happy; every fibre of my being quivers with joy. How do you do, Mrs. Roberts? Mrs. B. I'm so glad to see you. I'm so sorry to see you. Jane. Oh, it's nothing. Dr. Fielding tells me it's sure to be all right. Dr. Bob—oh, I mean Dr. RobertsAwill say the very worst he can, and then we’ve got to hope for the best. Dr. F. Yes. I always get his opinion; and then we're sure to err on the safe side. Eh? Mrs. B. Yes; but he's so anxious to make people take proper care, and follow his instructions absolutely. 71