_Hilda._ No, thanks. I won't have that now. I have just recollected that it is a rule of mine never to injure anybody I have once been formally introduced to. Strangers don't count. No, poor Mrs. HERDAL mustn't take that powder! _Dr. Herd._ (_disappointed_). Then is nothing to come of making Rainbow powders, after all, HILDA? _Hilda_ (_looks hard at him_). People say you are afraid to take your own physic. Is that true? _Dr. Herd._ Yes, I am. (_After a pause--with candour._) I find it invariably disagrees with me. _Hilda_ (_with a half-dubious smile_). I think I can understand _that_. But you did _once_. You swallowed your own pills that day at the _table d'hote_, ten years ago. And I heard a harp in the air, too! _Dr. Herd._ (_open-mouthed_). I don't think that _could_ have been Me. I don't play any instrument. And that was quite a special thing, too. It's not every day I can do it. Those were only _bread_ pills, HILDA. _Hilda_ (_with flashing eyes_). But you rolled them; you took them. And I want to see you stand once more free and high and great, swallowing your own preparations. (_Passionately._) I _will_ have you do it! (_Imploringly._) Just _once_ more, Dr. HERDAL! _Dr. Herd._ If I did, HILDA, my medical knowledge, slight as it is, leads me to the conclusion that I should in all probability burst. _Hilda_ (_looks deeply into his eyes_). So long as you burst _beautifully_! But no doubt that Miss BLAKDRAF---- _Dr. Herd._ You must believe in me utterly and entirely. I will do anything--_anything_, HILDA, to provide you with agreeable entertainment. I _will_ swallow my own powder! (_To himself, as he goes gravely up to Dispensary._) If only the drugs are sufficiently adulterated! [_Goes in; as he does so, the_ New Assistant _enters the garden in blue spectacles, unseen by_ HILDA, _and follows him, leaving open the glass-door._ _Senna Blakdraf_ (_comes wildly out of Drawing-room_). Where is dear Dr. HERDAL? Oh, Miss WANGEL, he has discharged me--but I can't--I simply _can't_ live away from that lovely ledger! _Hilda_ (_jubilantly_). At this moment Dr. HERDAL is in the Dispensary, taking one of his own powders. _Senna_ (_despairingly_). But--but it is utterly impossible! Miss WANGEL, you have such a firm hold of him--_don't_ let him do that! _Hilda._ I have already done all I can. [RUeBUB _appears, talking confidentially with Mrs._ HERDAL, _at gate._ _Senna._ Oh, Mrs. HERDAL, RUeBUB! The Pill-Doctor is going to take one of his own preparations. Save him--quick! _Ruebub_ (_with cold politeness_). I am sorry to hear it--for his sake. But it would be quite contrary to professional etiquette to prevent him. _Mrs. Herd._ And I never interfere with my husband's proceedings. I know _my_ duty, Miss BLAKDRAF, if _others_ don't!