[Lydia laughs triumphantly and steps to Joe's side, walking on her tip-toes and pretending to dance, pleased at her aunt's discomfiture.]
Lydia [stopping by Joe and bending over him]. Didn't I say it was a prophecy?
[Joe does not answer nor open his eyes. Lydia takes his hand and then drops it in fear.]
Lydia. Aunt Harriet, come here quickly!
[Harriet comes swiftly and stoops over Joe. She feels of his pulse and lays her hand against his heart.]
Harriet. Joe, Joe!
Lydia [moving distractedly toward the door]. I'll call the doctor.
Harriet [standing very straight and twisting her handkerchief]. It will do no good, Lydia. Joe has gone. This is the way your father went and your grandfather—all the men in the Wilde family. But this is irregular. They never died so young.
[Lydia covers her face with her hands.]
Harriet. And he seems so well. Why didn't the doctor—Lydia! This was their secret—this is what they wouldn't tell me!