Dr. Thorne (crossly). Oh, what? I can’t stop to talk. There! I’ve burned my tongue now. If there’s anything I can’t stand, it’s going to a consultation with a burned tongue.
Mrs. Thorne (tenderly). How tired you are, Esmerald! It even gets into your poor foot.—You limp more to-night. I was only going to say that I am sorry. I can’t let you go without saying that.
Dr. Thorne (rising, and walking irritably through the rooms). I can’t see that that helps it any. I am so tired I don’t want to be touched. (Mrs. Thorne brings his overcoat. He repulses her.) Never mind my coat. I’ll put it on myself. Tell Joe—No. I left the horse standing; I don’t want Joe. I suppose Donna is uneasy by this time. She won’t stand at night—She’s got to. I’ll get that whim out of her.—Now don’t look that way! The horse is safe enough.
Mrs. Thorne. I haven’t bothered you about the horse, have I? But I don’t feel—quite—easy. She is such a nervous creature, and so—
Dr. Thorne (imperiously). Don’t you suppose I know how to drive? You’re always having opinions of your own against mine. There! I must be off.—Where’s the boy, Helen? Where’s Laddie?
Mrs. Thorne (gently). Laddie isn’t just right, somehow, Esmerald. I hated to bother you, for you never think it’s anything. Molly is with him. I’ve been a little troubled about him. He has cried all the afternoon.
Dr. Thorne. He cries because you coddle him! It is all nonsense, Helen. Nothing ails the child. I won’t encourage this sort of thing. I’ll see him when I come home. I can’t possibly wait—I am driven to death—for every little whim. (Rushes towards the door, but pauses, irresolute.) I suppose I shall have to go up—if you’ve got this fixed idea in your head. I’ll take a look at him on the way out.
Mrs. Thorne (more gently; without reproach, but regarding him steadily). Good-by, Esmerald.
Dr. Thorne. Oh, bother!—I can’t stop for fooling, now.
Mrs. Thorne (with sudden change of manner, breaks down, and hides her face in her arms. She weeps quietly). He has always kissed me good-by—before—ever since we have been married. He never, never missed before!