(Exit Mary, L., and, in a moment, enter Mrs. Fisher and Helen, R.)
Mrs. Fisher (with solicitude; going toward her husband). Why, Lewis, what’s the matter? Are you sick?
Mr. F. Yes, Susan; not merely sick, but dying.
Mrs. F. (perplexed). What can you mean, Lewis? You left home this morning apparently well, and, after an hour’s absence, I return to find you nervous and excited. You look sick, too. Do tell me what is the cause.
Mr. F. (excited). That I can very easily do. I was sick—quite feverish—and had a bad cough, so I thought I’d take some drops to relieve it.
Mrs. F. That was right.
Mr. F. I went to the closet, and took a spoonful, and thought they helped me. So, in half an hour, I went and got some more to take, when I noticed the label on the bottle, and found that, instead of cough-drops, I had been taking poison.
Mrs. F. O Lewis, how could you make such a mistake? (Clasping her hands.) What shall we do?
Helen (coolly). Send for the doctor, I should say, if you haven’t both taken leave of your senses.
Mrs. F. Yes, send Mary for the doctor at once. Why didn’t we think of it sooner?