Dr. Thorne (grimly). I can think of no worse fate; but I’ll make the best of it.
Harvey (smiling kindly). I will undertake the case. At evening inquire your way to my dwelling. (Moves away; returns; hesitates; lingers; speaks impulsively.) Concerning the latest attainments in science on the planet Earth—they have the keenest interest for me. You have so many advantages—facilities that we never had. (He sighs wistfully.) I am told that your therapeutics are really wonderful. And the advances in surgery? Did you find them as beautiful as they are said to be?
Enter a newly arrived woman-spirit. She
is still pale, but has a happy expression.
She recognizes Dr. Thorne;
cries eagerly.
Woman-Spirit. Doctor! Doctor Thorne!
Harvey. Here comes some of your incidental usefulness. That is a good symptom. (He moves away, still smiling.)
[Exit Harvey.
Dr. Thorne. Why, Mrs. True! (Grasps her hand joyfully.) You are the first person I have seen—the first one I knew! But (reflecting) what has happened to you? How did you get here?
Mrs. True. I died yesterday.... I knew I should see you, Doctor. (Calmly.) I counted on that.
Dr. Thorne (starting back). Did they—you don’t mean to say they really operated on you? You were convalescent!
Mrs. True (laughing outright). Yes, in a week after you were killed. Dr. Carver vivisected guinea-pigs all that week to keep in practice. I died under the knife.... I wish you’d seen their faces!