Vernon
I saw you do it, and I have the cup.
Gertrude
You have the cup? Why, I washed it myself!
Vernon
Yes, you washed mine, which I gave you in exchange for that of
Pauline! I was not reading the newspaper, I was watching you.
Gertrude
Oh! sir, how unworthy of you!
Vernon You must confess that what I did then is of great service to you, for if you had by the effect of that draught brought Pauline to the brink of the grave, you would have been very glad of my services.
Gertrude
The brink of the grave—why, doctor, I put in only a very few drops.
Vernon
You admit, then, that you put opium in her tea?
Gertrude
Doctor—this is outrageous!
Vernon
That I have obtained a confession from you? Every woman under the same
circumstances would have said the same thing. I know it by experience.
But that is not all. You have several others things to confide in me.
Gertrude (aside)
He is a spy! The only thing I can do is to make him my accomplice.
(Aloud) Doctor, you are too useful to me to admit of our quarreling.
In a moment, if you will wait here, I will return and speak frankly to
you.