WAITER. [Bowing and leaving] Yes, Doctor.
AXEL. [Goes up to the FIANCÉ and sits down on a chair beside him] Now let's hear what you have to say?
FIANCÉ. [After a pause, with unction] There were two men living in the same city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had sheep and cattle in plenty. The poor man owned nothing but one ewe lamb——
AXEL. What does that concern me?
FIANCÉ. [As before] One ewe lamb, which he had bought and was trying to raise.
AXEL. Oh, life's too short. What do you want? Are you and Miss Cecilia still engaged?
FIANCÉ. [Changing his tone] I haven't said a word about Miss Cecilia, have I?
AXEL. Well, sir, you had better get down to business, or I'll show you the door. But be quick about it, and get straight to the point, without any frills——
FIANCÉ. [Holding out his snuff-box] May I?
AXEL. No, thanks.