You must believe in me utterly and entirely. I will do anything—anything, Hilda, to provide you with agreeable entertainment. I will swallow my own powder! [To himself, as he goes gravely up to dispensary.] If only the drugs are sufficiently adulterated!

[Goes in; as he does so, the New Assistant enters the garden in blue spectacles, unseen by Hilda, and follows him, leaving open the glass door.

Senna.

[Comes wildly out of drawing-room.] Where is dear Dr. Herdal? Oh, Miss Wangel, he has discharged me—but I can't—I simply can't live away from that lovely ledger.

Hilda.

[Jubilantly.] At this moment Dr. Herdal is in the dispensary, taking one of his own powders.

Senna.

[Despairingly.] But—but it is utterly impossible! Miss Wangel, you have such a firm hold of him—don't let him do that!

Hilda.

I have already done all I can.