(Exit Tupper quickly.)
Doctor. (aside) Just my luck—lost two cases!
Plant. A plot, sir—a vile plot—whoever the scoundrels are, they shall pay heavily for this wounded heart.
Doctor. (seriously) Heart? Cardiac? (hand on Plant's heart, listens)
Plant. (half crying, on Doctor's arm) My precious jewels! Two dear girls, Doctor. who have never caused me a moment's uneasiness all their blessed lives.
Doctor. Apparently not. Hadn't you better go and look for them?
Plant. (excitedly walks up and down) Ah, you are not a father—
Doctor. (aside, looking through microscope) Hope not—only married this morning.
Plant. —or you couldn't stand there unmoved. I am struck down in the flower of my days; this is a stroke, sir, a fatal stroke. Ach! (cries out with pain—puts hands to his back)
Doctor. That's not a stroke—that's lumbago.