Dr. A. Has the whole village gone crazy? or is this some infernal plot to drive me into hopeless lunacy?
Plumpface coughs outside, then enters, L.
Plumpface. Doctor (cough), I thought you were coming to (cough) see me?
Dr. A. I'll be there in half an hour, Mr. Plumpface. Business of a very serious nature has detained me here.
Plumpface. Yes (cough), I know. She kept you.
Dr. A. She—Who do you mean?
Plumpface. O (cough), it's all right, doctor. I'm in the secret. (Cough.) I've seen her; spite of her disguise, I knew her at once. (Cough.)
Dr. A. Knew her at once? Who, pray?
Plumpface. O, you sly dog! (Cough.) The duchess.
Dr. A. Heavens and earth! She here again?