Doctor. No, no, Nerves a little bit upset, that’s all!—a little too much work, a little too much sitting still, a little too much indoors—and a little too much green tea. Many a little makes a mickle.
Professor. I don’t want it to occur again, Doctor.
Doctor. It shan’t, sir, it shan’t! Now, good-bye; I must be off!
Professor. Thank you. Good-bye. (The Doctor goes out. The Professor stands looking at the chest) And to think how I saw it go in there! (He goes and stands by the chest; listens for a long time, then taps) Is anyone—?—Is anything there?—Ah! That’s all right, then!—I hope. (He goes back to his seat. Then his eye falls on the key; he takes hold of it, and is about to get up again. With an effort he sits back, letting the key go) No, I will not!— But suppose—suppose it were there after all! No, no, no—. It wouldn’t do at all. Everybody would think that I was mad— Well, I must—I must try to get on with my work. (He composes himself to write. Presently there enters an attractive little figure in a knitted cap, jersey, and skirt of bright green. This is Elfrida. She advances very quietly, with a roguish smile, stops at the table and stands looking at him. Suddenly, with the tail of his eye, the Professor catches sight of her. It gives him a dreadful start; but a look at her over the top of his glasses reassures him) Effie! Why, Effie, my dear, what a start you gave me!
Elfrida. (Getting nearer the truth than she knows) You thought I was a fairy.
Professor. No, I didn’t think you were a fairy. I thought you were an hallucination!
Elfrida. What’s that?
Professor. Something that’s not real, my dear.
(Elfrida has sidled round to the back of his chair; and now, from behind, she gives him an affectionate hug.)
Elfrida. I’m real.