Well, I’m no chicken, and I’m not going to stand any of your nonsense. Tell us straight out what the doctor says and be damned to you. I beg your pardon, my dear, but I have to talk to the old fool in the only way he understands.

Dr. Macfarlane.

Very rough, isn’t he?

John.

The gentlest pirate who ever cut a throat.

Colonel Wharton.

You know, you’re a transparent old fraud, Doctor. The moment you came in I saw you had some bad news for me. You were expecting to find Evelyn alone.

Dr. Macfarlane.

This is the hour at which all self-respecting retired colonels are reading the Times in their study.

Mrs. Wharton.