(Exit. Curtain falls.)
Scene II.—Mr. Crowell’s chamber. Mr. C. apparently asleep, on lounge, C. He opens his eyes. No one else present.
Mr. Crowell (in a querulous tone). Where’s Maria? She’s always gone when I want her. I might die here, and nobody’d know anything about it. (Knocks on floor with cane. Maria enters, R.)
M. Are you awake, uncle?
Mr. C. Awake? Of course I am. I’ve been awake this half hour. You might have heard me knocking long ago, if you were not deaf.
M. I came up as soon as I heard your knock. And how does your head feel?
Mr. C. A great deal worse. And my face is hot. I’m sure that I am going to have a fever.
M. The doctor said it was only a cold.
Mr. C. Doctors don’t know everything. Did you bring me up a cup of tea?
M. No; you didn’t say anything about it, did you?