(Billy hesitates.)
Billy. She says it was terribly important, sir, as she wants to know what you'll have for your breakfast in the mornin'.
Holmes. Same.
(Slight pause.)
Billy. Same as when, sir?
Holmes. This morning.
Billy. You didn't 'ave nothing, sir—you wasn't 'ere.
Holmes. Quite so—I won't be here to-morrow.
Billy. Yes, sir. Was that all, sir?
Holmes. Quite so.
Billy. Thank you, sir.
(Billy exits at door up R. After long pause bell rings off R. Enter Billy at door up R.)
It's Doctor Watson, sir. You told me as I could always show 'im up.
Holmes. Well! I should think so. (Rises and meets Watson up C.)
{Billy. Yes, sir, thank you, sir. Dr. Watson, sir!
(Enter Dr. Watson at door up R. Billy grinning with pleasure as he passes in. Billy exits up R.)
Holmes (extending left hand to Watson). Ah, Watson, my dear fellow.
Watson (going to Holmes and taking his hand up L.C.) How are you, Holmes?
Holmes (up L.C.). I'm delighted to see you, my dear fellow, perfectly delighted, upon my word—but—I'm sorry to observe that your wife has left you in this way.
Watson (laughing). She has gone on a little visit. (Crosses R. and puts hat on chair between bookcases R.) But how did you know?
Holmes (goes to laboratory table and puts spirit lamp out, then turns up lamp on table up L.C. Al lights up.). How do I know? Now, Watson, how absurd for you to ask me such a question as that.
(Watson goes R. of table C.)
How do I know anything? (Comes down a lLittle way. Gives a very little sniff an instant, smelling something.) How do I know that you've opened a consulting room and resumed the practice of medicine without letting me hear a word about it? How do I know that you've been getting yourself very wet lately? That you have an extremely careless servant girl—and that you've moved your dressing-table to the other side of your room?
Watson (turning and looking at Holmes in astonishment). Holmes, if you'd lived a few centuries ago, they'd have burned you alive. (Sits in chair R. of table.)
