Oh, I seem to get worse every day.

[Has risen and advances.] You ought to go home, father. Try to get a little sleep—

[Impatiently.] Go to bed, I suppose? Would you have me stifled outright?

Then take a little walk.

Yes, do. I will come with you.

[With warmth.] I will not go till he comes! I and determined to have it out this evening with—[in a tone of suppressed bitterness]—with him—with the chief.

[Anxiously.] Oh no, uncle,—do wait awhile before doing that!

Yes, better wait, father!

[Draws is breath laboriously.] Ha—ha—! I haven't much time for waiting.

[Listening.] Hush! I hear him on the stairs.