Mrs. Dermott. I'm sure I hope not, dear, but if he said that, I should really get another more expert opinion if I were you. A man like that can't be really reliable. I don't believe in doctors ever since poor Millicent Jenkins died.
Daniel. Look here, Anne, I really do want to make you understand that what I told the children is perfectly true. I haven't any money.
Mrs. Dermott. Nonsense, dear, you can't pull my leg as easily as that. How were you able to send that cheque when I most needed it, and those lovely Christmas presents, and the fares backwards and forwards to America—I believe you've got some big surprise for us all later on and you're afraid that we'll guess it.
Daniel. Yes, I have.
Mrs. Dermott (rising). Now look here, dear, I must leave you for a little while. Saturday is the busiest morning in the whole week. Finish off your breakfast and smoke a pipe—or a cigar or something; if any of the children come near you, just ignore them or pretend to be frightfully angry with them. That will bring them round.
(Enter Griggs hurriedly, R.)
Griggs. If you please, madam, the boiler is making the most peculiar noises. Shall I send for Brown to come and look at it?
Mrs. Dermott. I don't think that will do it any good, but still perhaps you'd better. I'll come myself in a minute.
(Exit Griggs, R.)
Mrs. Dermott (C.). Really, everything is going wrong this morning, first you, Danny, then the boiler; sometimes life isn't worth living—I do hope it won't burst.