(Both laugh.)
Plant. (to them) Stop that silly giggling! (crosses over to the two, sends Pearl across to table) Go and sit over there. Ruby. my precious jewel, I have something very solemn to say while we are waiting to see the doctor.
Ruby. (jumping up, excitedly) Pa, don't say you've brought us for the doctor to sound us.
Pearl. (quietly, sitting still) He shan't sound me!
Plant. On the contrary, I've brought you to sound the doctor, (pulls Ruby down again and sits r. of her on couch)
Ruby. (excitedly) What about?
Plant. You are aware that although we are strangers to Doctor Sheppard, he is our cousin.
Ruby. Second cousin, pa!
Pearl. On mother's side.
Ruby. Three times removed.