LEONTINE

Doctor, what's happened to mother?

DR. BOXER

Your mother has …

LEONTINE

What, what?

DR. BOXER

[Significantly.] Has fallen asleep.

LEONTINE'S

[Face assumes an expression of horror; she is about to shriek. DR. BOXER takes hold of her vigorously and puts his hand over her mouth. She regains a measure of self-control.] But, Doctor, she was talkin' just now…?