Mrs. C. Madame Princeton, you are positively cruel! I believe you actually enjoy our sufferings.
Mad. P. That’s right, excite yourself! Your heart is strong and excitement reduces flesh. It stimulates the lean glands, just as repose invigorates the fat glands.
Mrs. C. But s’pose I die right here in your place. Think of the consequences. One woman did die.
Mad. P. No, she didn’t.
Dickie. Goodness, that woman makes me nervous. Talks of dying in the place. I can’t stand this any longer. (Tries to rise.)
Susan. (Restraining her.) Be careful, you’ll make me spill it and then—
Mad. P. Susan, hold your tongue.
Dickie. I am afraid. (Manages to stand up, swathed like a mummy, Mad. and Susan support her.)
Mad. P. Sit down, Miss Bird. The remedy is as harmless as water.