SECOND ACT.
Dr. Herdal's Drawing-room and Dispensary, as before. It is early in the day. Dr. Herdal sits by the little table, taking his own temperature with a clinical thermometer. By the door stands the New Book-keeper; he wears blue spectacles and a discoloured white tie, and seems slightly nervous.
Dr. Herd. Well, now you understand what is necessary. My late book-keeper, Miss Blakdraf, used to keep my accounts very cleverly—she charged every visit twice over.
The New B. I am familiar with book-keeping by double entry. I was once employed at a Bank.
Dr. Herd. I am discharging my assistant, too; he was always trying to push me out with his pills. Perhaps you will be able to dispense?
The New B. (modestly). With an additional salary, I should be able to do that too.
Dr. Herd. Capital! You shall dispense with an additional salary. Go into the Dispensary, and see what you can make of it. You may mistake a few drugs at first—but everything must have a beginning.
[As the New B. retires, Mrs. Herdal enters in a hat and cloak with a watering-pot, noiselessly.
Mrs. Herd. Miss Wangel got up early, before breakfast, and went for a walk. She is so wonderfully vivacious!
Dr. Herd. So I should say. But tell me, Aline, is she really going to stay with us here? [Nervously.