(The telephone call bell rings suddenly.)
Dr. Thorne (leaping to the receiver). Who calls? I am here. Who wants Dr. Thorne? (He snatches the receiver greedily to his ear; listens a moment; cries wildly:) Oh, Helen! Is that you, dear? Speak louder, darling.... Yes, I’m here—at my office down-town. I’ll be home soon. Don’t be frightened—but I met with a trifling accident. Helen? Helen! What’s the trouble? Don’t you hear me, Helen?
Woman’s voice from the telephone. Is my husband there? Esmerald! Are you there?
Dr. Thorne. Why, Helen! Don’t you hear me? What does ail this cursed telephone? Central! Give me a decent wire. My wife can’t hear a word I say.... Helen? I’m not at all hurt—only shaken up a little. I’ll get back just as soon as—Helen? Helen!
Woman’s voice from the transmitter. Central? I cannot find my husband at his office. Please give me the Hospital.—I must communicate with my husband.
(Voice from the transmitter dies away.)
Dr. Thorne (rings madly). Central, you’ve cut me off! You’ve cut me off from my home. Give me 48.4 again. Helen?—Helen! Can’t you hear me? Don’t you understand me, Helen? Oh, I could hear you—your own dear voice, my girl! I wanted to tell you—I can’t wait till I see you to say—Helen? She does not hear me.—Helen!
(The transmitter is silent.)
(Dr. Thorne lays the receiver down. He hides his face in his hands.)
End of Scene III.