Part I — Scene 5 Flashcards
JOHN. Hold that end. Wrap it around. Pull it tight. I better answer that before they wake up the old man. Wait outside, Rosa. In the hall. But be quiet! A little emergency case.
The patient you had to call on. I want to see your father.
JOHN. He’s asleep. Anything I can do?
No, I think not. I have to see your father.
JOHN. It’s two A.M., Miss Alma.
I know, I’m afraid I’ll have to see him.
JOHN. No. Don’t! Stay in bed! I’ve patched him up, Dad. You sleep!
You’ve been in a brawl with that—woman!
JOHN. Is your doppelganger cutting up again?
It’s your father I want to talk to.
JOHN. Be reasonable, Miss Alma. You’re not that sick.
Do you suppose I would come here at two o’clock in the morning if I were not seriously ill?
JOHN. It’s no telling what you would do in a state of hysteria. Toss that down, Miss Alma.
What is it?
JOHN. A couple of little white tablets dissolved in water.
What kind of tablets?
JOHN. You don’t trust me?
You are not in any condition to inspire much confidence. I seem to be all to pieces.
JOHN. The intellectual meeting wore you out.
You made a quick escape from it.
JOHN. I don’t like meetings. The only meetings I like are between two people.
Such as between yourself and the lady outside?
JOHN. Or between you and me.
Where is the———
JOHN. Oh. You’ve decided to take it? Bitter?
Awfully bitter.
JOHN. It’ll make you sleepy.
I do hope so. I wasn’t able to sleep.
JOHN. And you felt panicky?
Yes. I felt walled in.
JOHN. You started hearing your heart?
Yes, like a drum!
JOHN. It scared you?
It always does.
JOHN. Sure. I know.
I don’t think I will be able to get through the summer.
