The Doctor’s Dilemma

a moment misunderstand you, dear, don’t you? Louis Fondly. I know. I know. I’m a wretch; and you’re an angel. Oh, if only I were strong enough to work steadily, I’d make my darling’s house a temple, and her shrine a chapel more beautiful than was ever imagined. I can’t pass the shops without wrestling with the temptation to go in and order all the really good things they have for you. Mrs. Dubedat I want nothing but you, dear. She gives him a caress, to which he responds so passionately that she disengages herself. There! be good now: remember that the doctors are coming this morning. Isn’t it extraordinarily kind of them, Louis, to insist on coming? all of them, to consult about you? Louis Coolly. Oh, I daresay they think it will be a feather in their cap to cure a rising artist. They wouldn’t come if it didn’t amuse them, anyhow. Someone knocks at the door. I say: it’s not time yet, is it? Mrs. Dudebat No, not quite yet. Louis Opening the door and finding Ridgeon there. Hello, Ridgeon. Delighted to see you. Come in. Mrs. Dudebat Shaking hands. It’s so good of you to come, doctor. Louis Excuse this place, won’t you? It’s only a studio, you know: there’s no real convenience for living here. But we pig along somehow, thanks to Jennifer. Mrs. Dubedat Now I’ll run away. Perhaps later on, when you’re finished with Louis, I may come in and hear the verdict. Ridgeon bows rather constrainedly. Would you rather I didn’t? Ridgeon Not at all. Not at all. Mrs. Dubedat looks at him, a little puzzled by his formal manner; then goes into the inner room. Louis Flippantly. I say: don’t look so grave. There’s nothing awful going to happen, is there? Ridgeon No. Louis That’s all right. Poor Jennifer has been looking forward to your visit more than you can imagine. She’s taken quite a fancy to you, Ridgeon. The poor girl has nobody to talk to: I’m always painting. Taking up a sketch. There’s a little sketch I made of her yesterday. Ridgeon She showed it to me a fortnight ago when she first called on me. Louis Quite unabashed. Oh! did she? Good Lord! how time does fly! I could have sworn I’d only just finished it. It’s hard for her here, seeing me piling up drawings and nothing coming in for them. Of course I shall sell them next year fast enough, after my one-man-show; but while the grass grows the steed starves. I hate to have her coming to me for money, and having none to give her. But what can I do? Ridgeon I understood that Mrs. Dubedat had some property of her own. Louis Oh yes, a little; but how could a man with any decency of feeling touch that? Suppose I did, what would she have to live on if I died? I’m not insured: can’t afford the premiums. Picking out another drawing. How do you like that? Ridgeon Putting it aside. I have not come here today to look at your drawings. I have more serious and pressing business with you. Louis You want to sound my wretched lung. With impulsive candor. My dear Ridgeon: I’ll be frank with you. What’s the matter in this house isn’t lungs but bills. It doesn’t matter about me; but Jennifer has actually to economize in the matter of food. You’ve made us feel that we can treat you as a friend. Will you lend us a hundred and fifty pounds? Ridgeon No. Louis Surprised. Why not? Ridgeon I am not a rich man; and I want every penny I can spare and more for my researches. Louis You mean you’d want the money back again. Ridgeon I presume people sometimes have that in view when they lend money. Louis After a moment’s reflection. Well, I can manage that for you. I’ll give you a cheque⁠—or see here: there’s no reason why you shouldn’t have your bit too: I’ll give you a cheque for two hundred. Ridgeon Why not cash the cheque at once without troubling me? Louis Bless you! they wouldn’t cash it: I’m overdrawn as it is. No: the way to work it is this. I’ll postdate the cheque next October. In October Jennifer’s dividends come in. Well, you present the cheque. It will be returned marked “refer to drawer” or some rubbish of that sort. Then you can take it to Jennifer, and hint that if the cheque isn’t taken up at once I shall be put in prison. She’ll pay you like a shot. You’ll clear fifty pounds; and you’ll do me a real service; for I do want the money very badly, old chap, I assure you. Ridgeon Staring at him. You see no objection to the transaction; and you anticipate none from me! Louis Well, what objection can there be? It’s quite safe. I can convince you about the dividends. Ridgeon I mean on the score of its being⁠—shall I say dishonorable? Louis Well, of course I shouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t want the money. Ridgeon Indeed! Well, you will have to find some other means of getting it. Louis Do you mean that you refuse? Ridgeon Do I mean⁠—! Letting his indignation loose. Of course I refuse, man. What do you take me for? How dare you make such a proposal to me? Louis Why not? Ridgeon Faugh! You would not understand me if I tried to explain. Now, once for all, I will not lend you a farthing. I should be glad to help your wife; but lending you money is no service to her. Louis Oh well, if you’re in earnest about helping her, I’ll tell you what you might do. You might get your patients to buy some of my things, or to give me a few portrait commissions. Ridgeon My patients call me in as a physician, not as a commercial traveller. A knock at the door. Louis goes unconcernedly to open it, pursuing the subject as he goes. Louis But you