Watson (a slight incredulity in his manner). Where do you feel this pain?
Prince (indicating with his finger). Just about there, doctor. Inside about there.
Watson. That's singular, I don't find anything wrong. (Pushes gas burner back to usual position and placing instrument on cabinet.)
Prince. You may not foind anything wrong, but I feel it wrong. If you would only give me something to take away this awful agony.
Watson. That's nothing. It'll pass away in a few hours. (Reflectively.) Singular thing it should have affected your voice in this way. Well, I'll give you a gargle, it may help you a little.
Prince. Yes—if you only would, doctor.
(Watson goes into surgery up L., Prince watching him like a cat. Music. Dramatic agitato, very pp. Watson does not close the door of the room, but pushes it part way so that it is open about a foot. Prince moves towards door up L., watching Watson through it. Stops near door. Seems to watch for his chance, for he suddenly turns and goes quickly down L. side and runs up blinds of both windows and moves back quickly, watching Watson through the door again. Seeing he still has time to spare, he goes to door up C. and opens it, looking and listening off. Distant sound of a piano when door up C. is open, which stops when it is closed. Prince quickly turns back and goes off a little way at door C., leaving it open so that he is seen peering up above and listening. Turns to come back, but just at the door he sees Watson coming on at door up L. and stops. Watson suddenly enters at door up L. and sees Prince in door up C. and stops up L.C., with a bottle in his hand, and looks at Prince.)
(Music stops.)
Watson. What are you doing there!
PrinceWhy, nothing at all, doctor. I felt such a draught on the back o' my neck, don't yer know, that I opened the door to see where it came from!
(Watson goes down and rings bell on his desk, placing bottle on papers. Pause. Enter Parsons at door R.)
Watson. Parsons, show this man the shortest way to the street door and close the door after him.
Prince. But, doctor, ye don't understand.
Watson. I understand quite enough. Good evening.
Prince. Yer know, the draught plays hell with my throat, sir—and seems to affect my
Watson. Good evening. (He sits and pays no further attention to Prince.)
