ALVA. You're bringing her here?
SCHIGOLCH. I'm bringing her here. Or do you fear for your health?
ALVA. You see that I fear nothing.
RODRIGO. According to the latest wire, the doctor is on his way to Constantinople to have his “Earth-spirit” produced before the Sultan by harem-ladies and eunuchs.
ALVA. (Opening the centre door under the gallery.) It's shorter for you thru here. (Exeunt Schigolch and Countess Geschwitz. Alva locks the door.)
RODRIGO. You were going to give more money to the crazy sky-rocket!
ALVA. What has that to do with you?
RODRIGO. I get paid like a lamp-lighter, tho I had to demoralize all the Sisters in the hospital. Then came the assistants' and the doctors' turn, and then—
ALVA. Will you seriously inform me that the medical professors let themselves be influenced by you?
RODRIGO. With the money those gentlemen cost me I could become President of the United States!