Curtain rises on Second Act.
¶ Lobby. College physician and junior usher.
Physician. Will you just step over to the drug store across the street and get me some brandy—quickly, please?
Usher. Oh, certainly, Dr. Leach!
Physician. Here, child, stop! Put on a cloak—are you crazy?
Usher. But I'm quite warm, Dr. Leach!
Physician. Put on a cloak! With your neck and arms bare! It's damp as a well outside. (Usher runs out.)
A ubiquitous member of the faculty suddenly appears. What's the matter? Anybody sick?
Physician. Oh, no! Not much. Miss Jackson was resting in her dressing-room and somebody leaned over the sill and spoke to her—you know she's on the ground floor. She's quite nervous, and she got a little hysterical—slight chill. My brandy was all out, so I—Oh, thank you! (Usher disappears breathless.)
Ubiquitous Member of Faculty, gloomily. I've always said there should be understudies—always. What will they do without their Viola? It's a ridiculous risk—