_Philip._ (_With a sickly smile._) You must think I'm-- _Doctor._ I don't think anything about it. I _know_ just what such animals as you are. _Philip._ Why, I haven't seen her for a-- _Doctor._ Haven' t yeh! well, then, suppose you go and see her to-day. _Philip._ (_Alarmed._) No, I won't. I can't do that! _Doctor._ You will do just that. _Philip._ (_Showing temper._) I won't go near her. _Doctor._ (_Quietly._) Yes, you will. She sha'n't lie there and die like a dog. _Philip._ You wouldn't dare--to tell-- _Doctor._ I want you to go and see this girl! (_They face each other._) Will yeh or won't yeh? _Philip._ (_After a pause subdued._) What d' ye want me to say to her? [Illustration] Fleming had been unfaithful to his wife at the time when he should have been most devoted. The next two scenes show us Margaret in her lovely home with the baby crowing about her. Fleming, with the easy shift of such natures, has thrown off his depression, and is in good spirits the following morning. Dr. Larkin calls to warn Fleming that he had better take Margaret away at once. She has trouble with her eyes which a nervous shock might intensify. He promises to do so, but the act closes with Margaret's departure to visit Lena Schmidt, who has sent for her. The third act takes place in Mrs. Burton's cottage, where the girl is dying. Dr. Larkin enters, finds Mrs. Burton holding the babe in her arms. I quote the conversation as a fine example of its truth and suggestion. [Illustration: Mr. Herne as Joe Fletcher in "Margaret Fleming." Act I. "Can't I sell ye a bath sponge?" See page 553.] _Mrs. Burton._ O Doctor! I didn't hear ye knawk. Did I keep y' waitin'? _Doctor._ No. How're the sick folks? _Mrs. Burton._ Haven't y' seen Dr. Taylor! Didn't he tell yeh? _Doctor._ Haven't seen him. I suppose you mean-- _Mrs. Burton._ Yes. _Doctor._ Humph! When'd she die? _Mrs. B._ 'Bout half an hour ago. _Doctor._ I had two calls on my way here. When did the change come? _Mrs. B._ Ther' wa'n't no change t' speak 'f. About two hours ago, she et a nice cup o' grule, and asked me to fix the pillers so's her head 'd be higher. I done it. Then she asked f'r a pensul 'n paper, an' she writ f'r quite some time. After that she shet her eyes an' I thought she was asleep. She never moved till the Doctor come, then she opened her eyes 'n smiled at him. He asked how she felt, an' she gave a l-o-n-g sigh--an' that was all there was to it. * * * * * [Illustration: Mrs Herne as Margaret Fleming. Act II. See page 554.]