, then, suppose you go and see her
to-day.

_Philip._ (_Alarmed._) No, I won't. I can't do that!

_Doctor._ You will do just that.

_Philip._ (_Showing temper._) I won't go near her.

_Doctor._ (_Quietly._) Yes, you will. She sha'n't lie there and
die like a dog.

_Philip._ You wouldn't dare--to tell--

_Doctor._ I want you to go and see this girl! (_They face each
other._) Will yeh or won't yeh?

_Philip._ (_After a pause subdued._) What d' ye want me to say to
her?

[Illustration]

Fleming had been unfaithful to his wife at the time when he should
have been most devoted. The next two scenes show us Margaret in her
lovely home with the baby crowing about her. Fleming, with the easy
shift of such natures, has thrown off his depression, and is in good
spirits the following morning. Dr. Larkin calls to warn Fleming that
he had better take Margaret away at once. She has trouble with her
eyes which a nervous shock might intensify. He promises to do so, but
the act closes with Margaret's departure to visit Lena Schmidt, who
has sent for her. The third act takes place in Mrs. Burton's cottage,
where the girl is dying. Dr. Larkin enters, finds Mrs. Burton holding
the babe in her arms. I quote the conversation as a fine example of
its truth and suggestion.

[Illustration: Mr. Herne as Joe Fletcher in "Margaret Fleming." Act I.
"Can't I sell ye a bath sponge?" See page 553.]

_Mrs. Burton._ O Doctor! I didn't hear ye knawk. Did I keep y'
waitin'?

_Doctor._ No. How're the sick folks?

_Mrs. Burton._ Haven't y' seen Dr. Taylor! Didn't he tell yeh?

_Doctor._ Haven't seen him. I suppose you mean--

_Mrs. Burton._ Yes.

_Doctor._ Humph! When'd she die?

_Mrs. B._ 'Bout half an hour ago.

_Doctor._ I had two calls on my way here. When did the change
come?

_Mrs. B._ Ther' wa'n't no change t' speak 'f. About two hours
ago, she et a nice cup o' grule, and asked me to fix the pillers
so's her head 'd be higher. I done it. Then she asked f'r a
pensul 'n paper, an' she writ f'r quite some time. After that she
shet her eyes an' I thought she was asleep. She never moved till
the Doctor come, then she opened her eyes 'n smiled at him. He
asked how she felt, an' she gave a l-o-n-g sigh--an' that was all
there was to it.

* * * * *

[Illust