Scene: The same room, slightly more dingy. Jemima Bloggs, her husband, and a Doctor are standing under the gas bracket. Hooker, as usual, is crouching over the starveling fire.

The Doctor (curtly): She can’t live. It’s only a matter of days, perhaps hours. I must go.

Bloggs: Can nothing be done?

The Doctor: Can you send her to the Riviera?

Bloggs: No. Would that cure her?

The Doctor: It might.... I’m sorry. Good-day. (He goes.)

Jemima (in a shaking voice): I’ll get your tea, Joseph. (She begins taking down the cups and laying the table.)

Bloggs (as if in a trance): The Riviera might save her. (He takes his hat.)

Jemima: Won’t you wait for tea before you go?

Bloggs: I don’t want any tea. (He slouches miserably out.)