The Father. Why do you say that?
The Grandfather. I have heard her voice.
The Father. But since the doctors assure us we may be easy....
The Uncle. You know quite well that your father-in-law likes to alarm us needlessly.
The Grandfather. I don't see things as you do.
The Uncle. You ought to rely on us, then, who can see. She looked very well this afternoon. She is sleeping quietly now; and we are not going to mar, needlessly, the first pleasant evening that chance has put in our way.... It seems to me we have a perfect right to peace, and even to laugh a little, this evening, without fear.
The Father. That's true; this is the first time I have felt at home with my family since this terrible confinement.
The Uncle. When once illness has come into a house, it is as though a stranger had forced himself into the family circle.
The Father. And then you understand, too, that you can count on no one outside the family.
The Uncle. You are quite right.