Dr. Herd. If I did, Hilda, my medical knowledge, slight as it is, leads me to the conclusion that I should in all probability burst.
Hilda (looks deeply into his eyes). So long as you burst beautifully! But no doubt that Miss Blakdraf——
Dr. Herd. You must believe in me utterly and entirely. I will do anything—anything, Hilda, to provide you with agreeable entertainment. I will swallow my own powder! (To himself, as he goes gravely up to Dispensary.) If only the drugs are sufficiently adulterated!
[Goes in; as he does so, the New Assistant enters the garden in blue spectacles, unseen by Hilda, and follows him, leaving open the glass-door.
Senna Blakdraf (comes wildly out of Drawing-room). Where is dear Dr. Herdal? Oh, Miss Wangel, he has discharged me—but I can't—I simply can't live away from that lovely ledger!
Hilda (jubilantly). At this moment Dr. Herdal is in the Dispensary, taking one of his own powders.
Senna (despairingly). But—but it is utterly impossible! Miss Wangel, you have such a firm hold of him—don't let him do that!
Hilda. I have already done all I can.
[Rübub appears, talking confidentially with Mrs. Herdal, at gate.
Senna. Oh, Mrs. Herdal, Rübub! The Pill-Doctor is going to take one of his own preparations. Save him—quick!