Didn’t I tell you you were going soon, anyway? You can be sorry if you want to—but I think it is more interesting to dream about the strange things there will be to discover at the end of the journey. THE GIRL. Will there be gates of gold that open wide, and angels standin’ by with shinin’ wings? THE DOCTOR. Wouldn’t you like to know? And so would I. You mustn’t forget to send that message. Will you? Do be careful to be accurate and try to speak distinctly. You know that a great many wise men have promised to send messages back, yet all that seems to come are foolish words. If you will look at everything carefully and find a way of telling me, I’ll write it down for all the world to ponder. Oh—then we should really know something—not just be groping—groping—groping in the dark. If you only could, if you only could! I wonder—[_In his turn he gazes at her intently, then rises abruptly._] Well, child, I must go on. Shall I teach you a few questions before you go, so you’ll be sure and find out for me the most important things? THE GIRL. Oh, Doctor! THE DOCTOR. You’d like to do something for me, wouldn’t you, child? [_THE GIRL reaches out for his hand and kisses it humbly, then gazes at him._] THE DOCTOR. Well, that would be the most wonderful thing in the world, only you must be very, very careful, and you must do a lot of thinking before you go, about what I’ve said. It is important to understand. Don’t waste any time thinking about what is passed, will you? THE GIRL. No, Doctor. THE DOCTOR. We must talk it all over. There aren’t many people I could trust to remember exactly all the things I want to know. But you can if you try hard. [_He touches the bell; the nurse appears._] Now, Miss Bryant, Miss Hattie and I have several important things to discuss and there isn’t much time left, so if she wants me at any time call me and I’ll come. And I think while she has so much thinking on hand about what I’m asking her to do for me, she had better not see other visitors. You don’t mind, do you? THE GIRL. No, no! I don’ want ’em! Doctor, when will it come? Doctor, will I know soon? THE DOCTOR. Soon, I think; very soon. [_He takes her hand a second, then goes out, motioning the nurse to precede him._] THE GIRL. Soon! He said it would be very soon—and I’m so tired! I’d like something nicer. [_She settles herself with a little sigh, and falls asleep._] CURTAIN. THE LETTER _Played for the first time on August 18 and 19, 1915, by Mr. CHAS. ATKINSON, Mr. ERNST VON AMMON, and Mr. JOHN ROOT._ THE LETTER. CHARACTERS: HORACE TANNER. JOHN ROBERTS. BELL-BOY. TIME: _Midnight of a summer night. Present day._ SCENE: _Writing-room of a club. Entrances at back and right._