etending indifference_). Humph! He's original
in that opinion.

MISS HOWARD. I know it's hard your being the only one up the week since
you've been here, with no one to talk to; but there's another patient
due to-day. Maybe she'll be well enough to be around with you. (_With a
quick glance at her wrist watch._) She can't be coming unless she got
in on the last train.

MURRAY (_interestedly_). It's a she, eh?

MISS HOWARD. Yes.

MURRAY (_grinning provokingly_). Young?

MISS HOWARD. Eighteen, I believe. (_Seeing his grin--with feigned
pique._) I suppose you'll be asking if she's pretty next! Oh, you men
are all alike, sick or well. Her name is Carmody, that's the only other
thing I know. So there!

MURRAY. Carmody?

MISS HOWARD. Oh, you don't know her. She's from another part of the
state from your town.

MISS GILPIN (_appearing in the office doorway_). Miss Howard.

MISS HOWARD. Yes, Miss Gilpin. (_In an aside to Murray __as she leaves
him._) It's time for those horrid diets.

(_She hurries back into the office._ Murray _stares into the
fire._ Miss Howard _reappears from the office and goes out by the
door to the hall, rear. Carriage wheels are heard from the drive
in front of the house on the left. They stop. After a pause there
is a sharp rap on the door and a bell rings insistently. Men's
muffled voices are heard in argument._ Murray _turns curiously in
his chair._ Miss Gilpin _comes from the office and walks quickly
to the door, unlocking and opening it._ Eileen _enters, followed
by_ Nicholls, _who is carrying her suit-case, and by her father._)

EILEEN. I'm Miss Carmody. I believe Doctor Gaynor wrote----

MISS GILPIN (_taking her hand--with kind affability_). We've been
expecting you all day. How do you do? I'm Miss Gilpin. You came on the
last train, didn't you?

EILEEN (_heartened by the other woman's kindness_). Yes. This is my
father, Miss Gilpin--and Mr. Nicholls.

(Miss Gilpin _shakes hands cordially with the two men who are
staring about the room in embarrassment._ Carmody _has very
evidently been drinking. His voice is thick and his face
puffed and stupid._ Nicholls' _manner is that of one who is
accomplishing a necessary but disagreeable duty with the best
grace possible, but is frightfully eager to get it over and done
with._ Carmody's _condition embarrasses him acutely and when he
glanc