(Trio 1st laugh—Doctor crosses quickly to them.)
(aside to them, softly) Don't laugh at her! and don't look so beastly healthy! Look pale! Faint! Do something!
(Bus.—Ruby makes a sling for her arm out of her handkerchief.)
(crosses quickly back to Aunt) I'm so sorry to keep you waiting, my dear aunt; won't you amuse yourself with a book or something? (goes to couch at back, fetches "Quayle on Muscles," comes back quickly to Aunt, opens it) Here you are. (shuts it quickly and shies it down, aside) What do ladies read?
(Crosses quickly to Pearl. who is reading "Pink 'Un," snatches it from her.)
Thank you very much, (crosses quickly to Aunt) Here you are, aunt, this is a lady's paper! (gives it to her and runs to Flo at back—aside anxiously) I'll explain everything when they've gone! (loudly, holding her hand) Ah! your nerves are run down a little, (goes to medicine chest)
(Trio 2nd laugh.)
Confound those Plant girls—I'll pay them out! (flings roll of lint at Pearl. then pours sal volatile from bottle into measuring glass, then into tumbler, adds a little water—to Flo) There! drink that! You'll soon be better.
(During this Bus. Pearl picks up roll of lint, puts a bandage round Waverly's face—Ruby steals across stage and kisses Andrew—Doctor turns round just after.)
Ruby. (C., confused, comes to table) Could you take my case next, doctor? I'm so bad!