Mr. Valdingam (exultingly): Ha! I’ve gained my point, in spite of them. Rose shall be saved.
(Enter, L., Richard, with two lighted lamps. After placing them, he retires, leaving Dr. Van Hyde in the background.)
Dr. Van Hyde: This is Mr. Valdingam?
Mr. Valdingam: And this Dr. Van Hyde? How delighted I am to meet you at last! But it is disgraceful that you should have been so long delayed. I shall see to it that the officers of the road are severely censured.
Dr. Van Hyde: Pray do not worry over such a trifle.
Mr. Valdingam: That is very nicely said, sir.... As I informed you by letter, the case which you are about to treat is a very serious one—a very complicated one. It may even baffle you.... But before I add anything, permit me to see my sister for an instant. She is preparing a little supper for us, and, if you don’t object, we shall eat it here, tête-à-tête.
Dr. Van Hyde: With the greatest pleasure, Mr. Valdingam.
Mr. Valdingam: Then kindly make yourself at home. The house is yours while you are in it. (Exit Mr. Valdingam, L.)
Dr. Van Hyde (throwing himself into an easychair): A comfortable place, certainly. That fellow, Valdingam, however, is an odd chap. Restless and excitable, I take it; but very agreeable, otherwise. I wonder what sort of a little creature the patient is, by the way. A stupid thing, I suppose.... (After a moment of reflection.) Strange!—I wonder if I am losing my own mind. For three days I’ve been in a state which is positively abnormal. I am haunted by a face, and I can’t rid my memory of it. And what a face! Who could forget it after having once looked upon it? I am in love with it. I am still more in love with its owner. That smile, like a glimpse of paradise! That mouth, like a dissected strawberry! That blush, like the stolen red of a rose! Oh, shall I ever see her again?