Rübub. There is a tradition that he once—but not now—he knows better. I think you said Mrs. Herdal was in the town? I will go and look for her. I understand her so well. [Goes out by gate.
Hilda (calls). Dr. Herdal! Come out this minute. I want you—awfully!
Dr. Herd. (puts his head out). Just when I am making such wonderful progress with the powder! (Comes down and leans on a table.) Have you hit upon some way of giving it to Aline? I thought if you were to put it in her arrowroot——?
Hilda. No, thanks. I won't have that now. I have just recollected that it is a rule of mine never to injure anybody I have once been formally introduced to. Strangers don't count. No, poor Mrs. Herdal mustn't take that powder!
Dr. Herd. (disappointed). Then is nothing to come of making Rainbow powders, after all, Hilda?
Hilda (looks hard at him). People say you are afraid to take your own physic. Is that true?
Dr. Herd. Yes, I am. (After a pause—with candour.) I find it invariably disagrees with me.
Hilda (with a half-dubious smile). I think I can understand that. But you did once. You swallowed your own pills that day at the table d'hôte, ten years ago. And I heard a harp in the air, too!
Dr. Herd. (open-mouthed). I don't think that could have been Me. I don't play any instrument. And that was quite a special thing, too. It's not every day I can do it. Those were only bread pills, Hilda.
Hilda (with flashing eyes). But you rolled them; you took them. And I want to see you stand once more free and high and great, swallowing your own preparations. (Passionately.) I will have you do it! (Imploringly.) Just once more, Dr. Herdal!