AUSTIN. I'll go on missing it, Flo.

FLORENCE (looking through window). Well, I won't.

(Exit Florence. Austin sits down in desk-chair, staring at the wall, blankly.)

AUSTIN. Metherell!

(Enter from the ambulance-room Dr. Wells, a young sporting doctor, nice-looking, with dark hair and moustache. He is passing through to the outer door. Austin starts.)

Oh, it's you, Doctor. You startled me.

WELLS. I beg your pardon, Mr. Whitworth.

AUSTIN. My fault for day-dreaming. (Rising.) Ready for contingencies in your torture chamber?

WELLS. All clear. You look rather like a contingency yourself.

AUSTIN. I'm—I'm nervous.