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 suppose.
MICHAELIS.
Yes, mine.
LITTLEFIELD.