ACT IV
Scene.—Dr. Watson's house in Kensington. The consulting-room. Oak panelling. Solid furniture. Wide double doors on R., opening to the hall and street door. Door up L. communicating with doctor's inner medicine room. A door in flat up C. a little to R. which opens to private hallway of house. The windows on L. side are supposed to open at side of house upon an area which faces the street. These windows have shades or blinds on rollers which can quickly be drawn down. At the opening of the Act they are down, so that no one could see into the room from the street.
There is a large operating chair up R.C. with high back, cushions, etc.
Music for curtain, which stops an instant before rise.
(Dr. Watson is seated behind his desk L.C. and Mrs. Smeedley, a seedy-looking middle-aged woman, is seated in the chair C. and R. of the desk with a medicine bottle in her hand.)
Watson. Be careful to make no mistake about the medicine. If she's no better to-morrow I'll call. You will let me know, of course?
Mrs. Smeedley. Oh yes, indeed I will. Good evening, sir.
Watson. Good night, Mrs. Smeedley.
(Mrs. Smeedley exits at door R. Sound of door closing heard after she is off. Pause. The doctor turns to his desk, and ringing bell then busies himself with papers.)
(Enter Parsons—a servant—at door R.)
Parsons!
(Parsons comes a little towards Watson.)
(Lower voice.) That woman who just left—do you know her?
Parsons (trying to recollect). I can't say as I recollect 'avin' seen 'er before. Was there anything?
Watson. Oh no! Acted a little strange, that's all. I thought I saw her looking about the hall before she went out.
Parsons. Yes sir, she did give a look. I saw that myself, sir.
Watson (after an instant's thought). Oh, well—I dare say it was nothing. Is there anyone waiting, Parsons?
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