Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/81

 burning plaster. They had pasted our marriage certificate all across the door and it was made of red-hot iron. People really ought to be more careful, you know.

—What am I to do? (Takes her in his arms.) Minnie! speak to me—to Phil.

—What shall I say? Oh tell me what to say before it's too late! They are all going away and I can't say anything.

—Say you know me! Only say you know me!

(who has entered quietly).—For pity's sake don't take it too much to heart, Gadsby. It's this way sometimes. They won't recognise. They say all sorts of queer things—don't you see?

—All right! All right! Go away now! she'll recognise me; you're bothering her. She must—mustn't she, Doc?

.—She will before Have I your leave to try—

—Anything you please so long as she'll know me. It's only a question of—hours, isn't it?

(professionally).—While there's life there's hope, y'know. But don't build on it.

—I don't. Pull her together if it's possible. (Aside.) What have I done to deserve this?

(bending over bed).—Now Mrs. Gadsby. We shall be all right to-morrow—You must take it, or I shan't let Phil see you—It isn't nasty, is it?

—Medicines! Always more medicines. Can't you leave me alone?

—Oh leave her in peace, Doc!

(stepping back,—aside).—May I be forgiven if I've done wrong. (Aloud.) In a few minutes she ought to be sensible; but I daren't tell you to look for anything. It's only

—What? Go on, man.

(in a whisper).—Forcing the last rally.