DUKE. [_To_ CONJURER.] So very kind of you to have waited, Professor. I expect Dr. Grimthorpe has explained the little difficulty we are in much better than I could. Nothing like the medical mind for a scientific statement. [_Hazily._] Look at Ibsen. [_Silence._ DOCTOR. Of course the Professor feels considerable reluctance in the matter. He points out that his secrets are an essential part of his profession. DUKE. Of course, of course. Tricks of the trade, eh? Very proper, of course. Quite a case of _noblesse oblige_ [_Silence._] But I dare say we shall be able to find a way out of the matter. [_He turns to the_ CONJURER.] Now, my dear sir, I hope you will not be offended if I say that this ought to be a business matter. We are asking you for a piece of your professional work and knowledge, and if I may have the pleasure of writing you a cheque.... CONJURER. I thank your Grace, I have already received my cheque from your secretary. You will find it on the counterfoil just after the cheque you so kindly gave to the Society for the Suppression of Conjuring. DUKE. Now I don't want you to take it in that way. I want you to take it in a broader way. Free, you know. [_With an expansive gesture._] Modern and all that! Wonderful man, Bernard Shaw! [_Silence._ DOCTOR. [_With a slight cough, resuming._] If you feel any delicacy the payment need not be made merely to you. I quite respect your feelings in the matter. DUKE. [_Approvingly._] Quite so, quite so. Haven't you got a Cause or something? Everybody has a cause now, you know. Conjurers' widows or something of that kind. CONJURER. [_With restraint._] No; I have no widows. DUKE. Then something like a pension or annuity for any widows you may--er--procure. [_Gaily opening his cheque-book and talking slang to show there is no ill-feeling._] Come, let me call it a couple of thou. [_The_ CONJURER _takes the cheque and looks at it in a grave and doubtful way. As he does so the_ RECTOR _comes slowly into the room._ CONJURER. You would really be willing to pay a sum like this to know the way I did that trick? DUKE. I would willingly pay much more. DOCTOR. I think I explained to you that the case is serious. CONJURER. [_More and more thoughtful._] You would pay much more.... [_Suddenly._] But suppose I tell you the secret and you find there's nothing in it? DOCTOR. You mean that it's really quite simple? Why, I should say that that would be the best thing that could possibly happen. A little healthy laughter is the best possible thing for convalescence. CONJURER. [_Still looking gloomily at the cheque._] I do not think you will laugh. DUKE. [_Reasoning genially._] But as you say it is something quite simple. CONJURER. It is the simplest thing there is in the world. That is why you will not laugh. DOCTOR. [_Almost nervously._] Why, what do you mean? What shall we do? CONJURER. [_Gravely._] You will disbelieve it. DOCTOR. And why?