THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. She ate a good breakfast this morning.

DR. FREEMANTLE [he pats the hand of the Younger Miss Wetherell].
Couldn't have a better sign. [He smiles from one to the other.]
Brain disturbance, caused by futile opposition to the inevitable,
evidently abating. One page Marcus Aurelius every morning before
breakfast. "Adapt thyself," says Marcus Aurelius, "to the things
with which thy lot has been cast. Whatever happens--"

THE YOUNGER MISS WETHERELL. You see, doctor, it was all so sudden.

DR. FREEMANTLE. The unexpected! It has a way of taking us by
surprise--bowling us over--completely. Till we pull ourselves
together. Make the best of what can't be helped--like brave, sweet
gentlewomen. [He presses their hands. They are both wiping away a
tear.] When do you expect them?

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. To-night, by the half-past eight train.
We had a telegram this morning from Dover.

DR. FREEMANTLE. Um! and this is to be her room? [He takes it in.]
The noble and renowned Constance, friend and confidant of the elder
Pitt, maker of history, first Lady Bantock--by Hoppner--always there
to keep an eye on her, remind her of the family traditions.
Brilliant idea, brilliant! [They are both smiling with pleasure.]

THE ELDER MISS WETHERELL. And you don't think--it is what we wanted
to ask you--that there is any fear of her finding it a little trying-
-the light? You see, this is an exceptionally sunny room.