Hark! I think that’s Mr. Lattin’s step. I’ll go and see.
Mrs. Lattin
It can’t be the new doctor, can it?
Nurse
Dr. Ogilvie? Not yet. Six o’clock he was to come. He won’t be here before his time. These great specialists are busy men.
Mrs. Lattin
(Wearily.) I’ve seen so many doctors. I hardly feel as if I had the strength for a new examination. Dr. Ogilvie will do me no good.
Nurse
Still you will see him. For your husband’s sake.
Mrs. Lattin
Ah, yes, for Phillip’s sake. I think my husband’s coming, nurse.
(Enter Phillip.)
Nurse
Good-evening, Mr. Lattin. Mrs. Lattin is a trifle better. I’ll leave you for a little, but she must not tire herself. We are expecting Dr. Ogilvie at six.
Phillip
I’ll be very careful.
[Nurse exit.
(Phillip comes to his wife.)
Mrs. Lattin
At last, Phillip. I’m so glad you’ve come, dear. I’ve been waiting and longing so. They kept you—but you belong to me, don’t you? You’re tired, poor old thing. Come to me, Phillip—closer. (Stretches out hand.)
Phillip
I am a bit late. I’m sorry, Little Child. They kept me, yes. But you——?
Mrs. Lattin
I’m well enough to listen. You’re back; I forgive you. And it’s all arranged as you wished—as you hoped?
Phillip
Sir George was kindness itself——
Mrs. Lattin
You saw the Foreign Secretary!
Phillip
You didn’t know I was such a big-wig, did you? It is important, you see, dear. The situation out there is complicated. I’ve left them in the lurch a little, and my advice—er—my knowledge, Sir George was good enough to say—at such a time——
Mrs. Lattin
In the lurch, Phillip! How in the lurch? You’re only asking a longer leave than usual.
Phillip
There, there. I don’t want you to worry your dear head with politics. The new doctor will be here any minute now. That’s far more important.
Mrs. Lattin
I would rather know exactly. It doesn’t worry me.
Phillip
It’s all been arranged most satisfactorily, dear; and I’m very pleased. So you’re pleased with me—eh?
Mrs. Lattin
Phillip—what has been arranged?
Phillip
Sir George was most complimentary. The Government would recognise my services—my long services, he called it. He even discussed with me—asked my advice, if you must know the full weight of honour placed upon me!—as to my successor——
Mrs. Lattin
Successor!
Phillip
But, darling, some one must fill my place. There must be a locum tenens, as they say in the church.
Mrs. Lattin
You’ve—resigned!
Phillip
Dear one, there was no other way. It’s a formality, you see. I can always take it up again where I left it off. Our man in Egypt—just now—must be there. He must be on the spot, of course——
Mrs. Lattin
But six months’ leave! Surely, six months’ leave——
Phillip
Means the entire winter. There, there, Little Child, it’s nothing. You must not exaggerate like this. What is my work in Egypt compared to being with you. The doctors forbid you to go out. It’s quite simple: I prefer to stay with you. My world lies in your heart. I—I can always take up the work again when—when you’re better.
Mrs. Lattin
Resigned, resigned! You have actually resigned. Your career—I have broken your career—at last—completely. Is it wrong, then, that I need you so?
Phillip
Hush, dearest——
Mrs. Lattin
You have paid this tremendous price—and I have made you pay it.
Phillip
I wish to be always with you. That is my only wish, my only happiness.
Mrs. Lattin
For my sake you have sacrificed——
Phillip
It’s I who am selfish to tire you with all this stupid Government business. There, now; you’ve talked too much and I have done you harm. There’s only happiness in my heart. No more nonsense-talk about sacrifice. You must lie quiet and rest again. I can be always with you.
Mrs. Lattin
Yes, to the end—my end and yours. O God! Why did I not understand before?
Phillip
You must not speak like that. Love—our love—knows no end.
Mrs. Lattin
Oh, I am miserable, Phillip, miserable, miserable.
Phillip
Please, do not say such things.
Mrs. Lattin
But I must, I must. My selfishness has brought you to this last renouncement.
