Poisons? Why in the world should they be _that_? HILDA. [_Without answering him._] All the thrillingest, deadliest poisons--it is only such things that are wholesome, nowadays. DR. HERDAL. [_As if caught by her enthusiasm._] And I could colour them, too, by exposing them to rays cast through a prism. Oh, Hilda, how I have needed you all these years! For, you see, with _her_ it was impossible to discuss such things. [_Embraces her._ MRS. HERDAL. [_Enters noiselessly through hall-door._] I suppose, Haustus, you are persuading Miss Wangel to start by the afternoon steamer? I have bought her a pair of curling-tongs, and a packet of hairpins. The larger parcels are coming on presently. DR. HERDAL. [_Uneasily._] H'm! Hilda--Miss Wangel I _should_ say--is kindly going to stay on a little longer, to assist me in some scientific experiments. You wouldn't understand them if I told you. MRS. HERDAL. Shouldn't I, Haustus? I daresay not. [_The_ NEW BOOK-KEEPER _looks through the glass door of dispensary._ HILDA. [_Starts violently and points--then in a whisper._] Who is _that?_ DR. HERDAL. Only the new Book-keeper and Assistant--a very intelligent person. HILDA. [_Looks straight in front of her with a far-away expression, and whispers to herself._] I thought at first it was.... But no--_that_ would be _too_ frightfully thrilling! DR. HERDAL. [_To himself._] I'm turning into a regular old troll now--but I can't help myself. After all, I am only an elderly Norwegian. We are _made_ like that.... Rainbow powders--_real_ rainbow powders! With Hilda!... Oh, to have the joy of life once more! [_Takes his temperature again as Curtain falls_. * * * * * ACT THIRD [_On the right, a smart verandah, attached to_ Dr. HERDAL'S _dwelling-house, and communicating with the drawing-room and dispensary by glass doors. On the left a tumble-down rockery, with a headless plaster Mercury. In front, a lawn, with a large silvered glass globe on a stand. Chairs and tables. All the furniture is of galvanised iron. A sunset is seen going on among the trees._ DR. HERDAL. [_Comes out of dispensary-door cautiously, and whispers._] Hilda, are you in there? [_Taps with fingers on drawing-room door._ HILDA. [_Comes out with a half-teasing smile._] Well--and how is the rainbow-powder getting on, Dr. Herdal? DR. HERDAL. [_With enthusiasm._] It is getting on simply splendidly. I sent the new assistant out to take a little walk, so that he should not be in the way. There is arsenic in the powder, Hilda, and digitalis too, and strychnine, and the best beetle-killer! HILDA. [_With happy, wondering eyes._] _Lots_ of beetle-killer. And you will give some of it to _her_, to make her free and buoyant. I think one really _has_ the right--when people happen to stand in the way----! DR. HERDAL.