LUCAS. [Brightly.] Well?

KIRKE. She's to have a cup of good bouillon--Mrs. Thorpe is going to
look after that--and anything else she fancies. She's alright.
[Shaking hands with AGNES.] The excitement of putting on that pretty
frock--[AGNES gives a hard little laugh. Shaking hands with LUCAS.]
I'll look in tomorrow. [Turning to GERTRUDE.] Oh, just a word with you,
nurse. [LUCAS has been bending over AGNES affectionately; he now sits
by her, and they talk in undertones; he lights a cigarette from hers.]

KIRKE. [To GERTRUDE.] There's many a true word, et cetera.

GERTRUDE. Excitement?

KIRKE. Yes, and that smart gown's connected with it too.

GERTRUDE. It is extraordinary to see her like this.

KIRKE. Not the same woman.

GERTRUDE. No, nor is he quite the same man.

KIRKE. How long can you remain with her?

GERTRUDE. Till eleven--if you will let my brother know where I am.

KIRKE. What, doesn't he know?

GERTRUDE. I simply sent word, about an hour ago, that I shouldn't be