therefore modified as above, although the term "droegster," strictly
speaking, denotes a practitioner who has not received a regular
diploma.]

ACT FIRST.

_An elegantly furnished Drawing-room at_ Dr. HERDAL'S. _In front, on
the left, a Console-table, on which is a large round bottle full of
coloured water. On the right a stove, with a banner-screen made out of
a richly-embroidered chest-protector. On the stove, a stethoscope and
a small galvanic battery. In one corner, a hat and umbrella stand; in
another, a desk, at which stands_ SENNA BLAKDRAF, _making out the
quarterly accounts. Through a glass-door at the back is seen the
Dispensary, where_ RUeBUB KALOMEL _is seated, occupied in rolling a
pill. Both go on working in perfect silence for four minutes and a
half._

_Dr. Haustus Herdal_ (_enters through hall-door; he is elderly, with a
plain sensible countenance, but slightly weak hair and expression_). Come
here, Miss BLAKDRAF. (_Hangs up hat, and throws his mackintosh on a
divan._) Have you made out all those bills yet? [_Looks sternly at her._

_Senna_ (_in a low hesitating voice_). Almost. I have charged each patient
with three attendances daily. Even when you only dropped in for a cup of
tea and a chat. (_Passionately._) I felt I _must_--I _must_!

_Dr. Herd._ (_alters his tone, clasps her head in his hands, and
whispers_). I wish you could make out the bills for me, _always_.

_Senna_ (_in nervous exaltation_). How lovely that would be! Oh, you are so
unspeakably good to me! It is too enthralling to be here!

[_Sinks down and embraces his knees._

_Dr. Herd._ So I've understood. (_With suppressed irritation._) For
goodness' sake, let go my legs! I do _wish_ you wouldn't be so confoundedly
neurotic!

[Illustration: "For goodness' sake, let go my legs!"]

_Ruebub_ (_has risen, and comes in through glass-door, breathing with
difficulty; he is a prematurely bald young man of fifty-five, with a
harelip and squints slightly_). I beg pardon, Dr. HERDAL, I see I interrupt
you. (_As SENNA rises._) I have just completed this pill. Have you looked
at it?

[_He offers it for inspection diffidently._

_Dr. Herd._ (_evasively_). It appears to be a pill of the usual dimensions.

_Ruebub_ (_cast down_). All these years you have never given me one
encouraging word! _Can't_ you praise my pill?

_Dr. Herd._ (_struggles with himself_). I--I c