ss is a little shady, but
Lord, if they knew the secrets of _our_ charnel-house!
MICHAELIS.
How did you leave the child?
LITTLEFIELD.
Done for. I said I was worth a million of you in a case like this, but
I didn't realize how far things had gone. The next time, call me in a
little sooner.
_He writes on his note pad, tears out a leaf, and lays it on the
table._
Mrs. Beeler will continue the old prescription, alternating with this.
_He puts the note pad in his pocket, and turns to Rhoda. He speaks
in a tone which implies command, under the veil of request._
Will you walk a ways with me, Miss Williams?
RHODA.
_Pale and trembling._
No.
LITTLEFIELD.
Pardon! I must have a short talk. It is important.
RHODA.
I cannot go with you.
LITTLEFIELD.
I think you had better reconsider.
MICHAELIS.
_Astonished at his tone._
You have heard that she does not wish to go.
LITTLEFIELD.
_Ignoring Michaelis._
I have no time to waste, and I shall not stop to mince my words. You
are coming with me, and you are coming now.
MICHAELIS.
_To Rhoda._
Who is this man?
LITTLEFIELD.
_Wheeling upon him angrily._
'Pon my honor! "Who is this man?" "Remove the worm!" Decidedly tart,
from a miracle-monger in a state of bankruptcy.
MICHAELIS.
_To Rhoda._
Is this the man you told me of?
RHODA.
_Steadily._
Yes.
LITTLEFIELD.
_To Rhoda, as he eyes Michaelis with dislike._
So you have called in a father confessor, eh?
_To Michaelis._
Well, since the lady can't keep her secrets to herself, this _is_ the
man. Very painful, no doubt, but these little things will happen.
_To Rhoda._
I should have chosen a more secluded nook to say this in, but you're
skittish, as I have learned to my cost, and likely to bolt. What I want
to say is, _don't_ bolt. It won't do you any good.--I've found you
once, and I'll find you again, no matter what rabbit's hole you dodge
into.
_To Michaelis._
This ain't George Littlefield, M.D., talking now. It's the caveman of
Borneo. He's got arms as long as rakes, and teeth that are a
caution.--Look out for him!
MICHAELIS.
_Holding himself in stern restraint._
Your arms and teeth are long enough, and eager enough to do damage, but
they will not avail you here. This girl is in other keeping, and I dare
to say, better.
LITTLEFIELD.
In other keeping, eh? Yours, I su
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