Part 6

DOCTOR

And when your husband goes shooting, he doesn’t find every bird that he wounds.

INSPECTOR

He finds as many as he can.

DOCTOR

Ha! As many as he can! But the ones he DOESN’T find! Are they chloroformed? And what about the animals that die in traps? And the birds that are snared? (He points at the Inspector.) How about that fox? That pheasant?

INSPECTOR

You’re insulting!

DOCTOR

Madam, you’re a fine Inspector! Here you stand, admitting that your husband kills for pleasure! And you’re tricked out in the skin and the feathers of dumb creatures. Look at that poor head! Those little paws! And yet you spy on a man who causes suffering only to save human life!

(The Boy coughs, and leans heavily against his mother.)

INSPECTOR

Save human life! With your nasty serums, you mean? Oh, what nonsense!

DOCTOR

Madam, go home. And take care of your boy!

INSPECTOR

You needn’t worry about my boy. (She draws the Boy to her.)

DOCTOR

But, see! His cheeks! He’s got fever.

INSPECTOR

(To the Boy.)

Do you feel sick, dear?

DOCTOR

Let ME have a look at him. (Starts forward.)

INSPECTOR

(Puts out hand to check the doctor.)

No! Your hands are stained with the blood of the innocent! Don’t you dare to touch him! (She takes the Boy up in her arms.) I wouldn’t let you treat a dog of mine! (Crosses to the street door and halts to look back.) You fiend! (Goes out.)

DOCTOR