(_Translated from the Original Norwegian by Mr. Punch_) [PREFATORY NOTE. The original title, _Mester-Pijl-droegster Herdal_, would sound a trifle too uncouth to the Philistine ear, and is therefore modified as above, although the term "droegster," strictly speaking, denotes a practitioner who has not received a regular diploma.] ACT FIRST. _An elegantly furnished Drawing-room at_ Dr. HERDAL'S. _In front, on the left, a Console-table, on which is a large round bottle full of coloured water. On the right a stove, with a banner-screen made out of a richly-embroidered chest-protector. On the stove, a stethoscope and a small galvanic battery. In one corner, a hat and umbrella stand; in another, a desk, at which stands_ SENNA BLAKDRAF, _making out the quarterly accounts. Through a glass-door at the back is seen the Dispensary, where_ RUeBUB KALOMEL _is seated, occupied in rolling a pill. Both go on working in perfect silence for four minutes and a half._ _Dr. Haustus Herdal_ (_enters through hall-door; he is elderly, with a plain sensible countenance, but slightly weak hair and expression_). Come here, Miss BLAKDRAF. (_Hangs up hat, and throws his mackintosh on a divan._) Have you made out all those bills yet? [_Looks sternly at her._ _Senna_ (_in a low hesitating voice_). Almost. I have charged each patient with three attendances daily. Even when you only dropped in for a cup of tea and a chat. (_Passionately._) I felt I _must_--I _must_! _Dr. Herd._ (_alters his tone, clasps her head in his hands, and whispers_). I wish you could make out the bills for me, _always_. _Senna_ (_in nervous exaltation_). How lovely that would be! Oh, you are so unspeakably good to me! It is too enthralling to be here! [_Sinks down and embraces his knees._ _Dr. Herd._ So I've understood. (_With suppressed irritation._) For goodness' sake, let go my legs! I do _wish_ you wouldn't be so confoundedly neurotic! [Illustration: "For goodness' sake, let go my legs!"] _Ruebub_ (_has risen, and comes in through glass-door, breathing with difficulty; he is a prematurely bald young man of fifty-five, with a harelip and squints slightly_). I beg pardon, Dr. HERDAL, I see I interrupt you. (_As SENNA rises._) I have just completed this pill. Have you looked at it? [_He offers it for inspection diffidently._ _Dr. Herd._ (_evasively_). It appears to be a pill of the usual dimensions. _Ruebub_ (_cast down_). All these years you have never given me one encouraging word! _Can't_ you praise my pill? _Dr. Herd._ (_struggles with himself_). I--I cannot. You should not attempt to compound pills on your own account. _Ruebub_ (_breathing laboriously_). And yet there was a time when _you_, too---- _Dr. Herd._ (_complacently_). Yes, it was certainly a pill that came as a lucky stepping-stone--but not a pill like that!