WOMAN. Because we had only been three months in Paris. They only give you the medicines free if you have lived here six months.
LOCHES. Is that so?
DOCTOR. Yes, that is the rule.
WOMAN. You see it isn’t our fault.
DOCTOR. You have no children, have you?
WOMAN. I couldn’t ever bring one to birth, sir. My husband was taken at the very beginning of our marriage, while he was doing his time as a reservist. There are women that hang about the barracks.
A silence.
DOCTOR. Ah! Well, this is my private address; you come to see me there every Sunday morning. [At the door he slips a piece of money into her hand. Roughly] There, just take that and run along. What’s that? Tut, tut! Nonsense! Nonsense! I haven’t time to listen to you. Run along, now. [He pushes her out. To someone who is invisible to the audience] What can I do for you?
MAN [outside] I am the father of the young man you saw this morning. I asked leave to speak to you after the consultation was over.
DOCTOR. Ah yes, just so, I recognize you. Your son is at college, isn’t he?