Dr. Alliot. It’s the old wisdom of the scape-goat—it is expedient—how does it go? expedient—?

Sydney. “It is expedient that one man should die for the people.”

Dr. Alliot. That’s it! A hard word, but a true one.

Hilary. What has that got to do with me?

Dr. Alliot. Well, the situation is this—

Hilary. There is no situation. I married Meg. I fell ill. Now I’m well again. I want my wife.

Dr. Alliot. Why, yes—yes—

Hilary. [Picking it up irritably] “Yes—yes—” “Yes—yes—” I suppose that’s what you call humouring a lunatic.

Dr. Alliot. Why, I hope to be convinced, Fairfield, that that trouble’s over, but—

Hilary. But you’re going to lock me up again because I want my wife.