THE DOCTOR. Well now—there’s another queer question. Didn’t I tell you I don’t know anything to tell? I’ve never been there. I should think _you_ would have found out a _little_ something since you’re planning to go so soon. But no, I don’t suppose you know much more than the rest of us. And when you get there you will probably forget all about me and how much I’d like to know what’s happening to my little patient. No use I suppose asking you to tie a red string on your finger and say “that’s to send Dr. Carroll a little message.” Is there any way, do you think you could remember? THE GIRL. You’re kiddin’ me! THE DOCTOR. Indeed I am not. I long to know with all my heart, and I suppose it will be years and years before I do. Why just think, you, you are going to have a great adventure—You are going on a journey to a far country where you’ll find out lots of things, and here am I, jogging along up and down, to and fro, between my office and this hospital and wondering and wondering and wondering! What a lucky little girl you are! THE GIRL. And I don’t have to be sorry—to get in? THE DOCTOR. 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.