Dr. I was meditating, it is true.
Alma. Lost in meditation. Thank you, for the correction.
Ned rises; goes aside thoughtfully.
Dr. Lost in amazement.
Alma. Amazement. Beg your pardon. Got it at last.
Dr. That our paths, which are so diverse, should have crossed.
Alma. It’s a queer meeting, certainly, but, you know, accidents will happen.
Dr. (raising his hand) Pardon me, there is no such thing as accident. It is true that fortune, like misfortune, makes us acquainted with strange——
Alma. Hem!
Dr. I will amend my illustration.