Mamma P. But, Doctor, may not the thing be carried too far?
Dr. H. For gentility, you mean? Don't you remember Marie Antoinette made butter and King Louis was a miller at Marly?
Aunt F. But just read the Doctor from Emily's last letter.
Mamma P. Yes, just hear what she has written, Doctor. [Finds letter and reads] "You have no idea how different life looks to me now that I live a little for somebody besides myself. Why have I been so foolish as to suppose I was happy in living such a lazy, useless life as I have lived?" [Looks at Dr. H. as she folds letter and shakes head]
Dr. H. Iron in her blood, my dear madam, iron in her blood! [Pounds table] She'll come home a strong, bouncing girl.
Aunt F. Oh, shocking!
Dr. H. [Turns to Aunt F.] Yes, bouncing! Why shouldn't she bounce? I shall give you back a live niece in the fall instead of a half dead one, and you [Turns to Mamma P.] a live daughter, madam, and I expect you will all scream and stop your ears and run under beds because you never saw a live girl before.
Mamma P. But, Doctor, I can't see as we shall ever get her home again. I keep writing and writing, and still she says she isn't ready. There is always something ahead.
Dr. H. Let her alone, madam, let her alone. Give Nature a good chance. You will all undo all the good she's getting as soon as you get her home. I insist upon it [Pounds table] that she shall keep away from you all as long as she likes.
Exit Dr. Hardhack.