FER. My dear uncle, if you talk in that wild and heartless way I shall begin to think that you take quite another view of the objects of my experiment. (_Drinks._) MR. W. Not at all, not at all; but I must confess that it's pleasant to have things quiet like this. (_Drinks._) FER. It's quite evident you appreciate it. Well, I must say your tone rather relieves me. I am delighted with the success of the first part of my experiment. She went off beautifully. Now if the second part should go wrong, and I don't succeed in pulling her together again, I can see you won't so much mind. MR. W. My dear Ferdinand, don't speak in that horrible way. Surely, you have no doubts? FER. Well, of course, I'm like all experimentalists; I may fail. You'll please to bear in mind that I was very particular in getting your consent before I made the venture. MR. W. Venture! Fail! What do you mean? I certainly gave my consent, but you said it was a "dead" certainty. FER. And so it will be, in one way or the other, a dead certainty. MR. W. Great Heaven! Then do you mean to tell me that you think it possible that you may be unable to thaw my wife? FER. Well, yes, it's on the cards. MR. W. You're very cool over it. FER. So's she; that's the beauty of the system. MR. W. But what shall I do? FER. Keep her frozen, and finish your wine. Bless your soul, uncle, I'll see you through it. MR. W. Yes, yes, Ferdinand, you will, I am sure of it. If there should be any trouble, you'll see me through it. FER. Oh, I didn't mean that--I meant I'd see you through your wine. Your health, uncle. (_Drinks._) MR. W. Ferdinand, in Heaven's name, do not trifle with such a subject as this. Have you reflected what, if anything happened to your aunt, _I_ should be? FER. The very man I want--the first felon. I should immediately apply to the State for permission to continue my researches. MR. W. Ferdinand, for pity's sake, keep me in suspense no longer. Produce your remedy. Where, oh, where is your antidote? FER. (_mockingly_). Where, oh, where is my doting aunty? Ha! ha! pretty play upon words, isn't it? Have another glass of wine. (Drinks.) MR. W. No more wine for me. I have drunk my last glass of wine, and I have smoked my last cigar. Never did I anticipate such horrors as now consume me. Ferdinand, if you have any pity for an old man-- FER. My dear uncle, I can see I'm going too far. You shouldn't give me such good wine, and so develop my propensities for practical joking. We'll thaw the old woman at once. MR. W. My dear boy, how you relieve me! Yes, at once--at once. Never mind the smell of smoke and the decanters. Compared to my present feelings, her abuse will be a perfect treat. FER. (_feeling his pockets_). Hullo! MR. W. What's the matter? FER. Well, don't be alarmed; but I seem to have mislaid the other bottle. MR. W. Not the antidote? FER. Well, yes. Don't agitate yourself; but I can't find it.