Philip Fleming is a fairly successful business man in a town near Boston. He has a devoted wife, a child just reaching its first year’s birthday. The first scene develops the situation by a conversation between Fleming and his family physician. Fleming offers a cigar which Dr. Larkin refuses.
Philip. You used to respect my cigars. (Laughing.)
Doctor. I used to respect you….
Philip. Why not, for heaven’s sake?
Doctor. Because you’ve no more moral nature than Joe Fletcher has.
Philip. Oh! come now, Doctor, that’s rather—
Doctor. (Looking sternly at him.) At two o’clock last night, Lena Schmidt gave birth to a child.
Philip. (His eyes meet those of the Doctor, then drop to the floor.) How in God’s name did they come to send for you?
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