THE DEVIL (_whispering to Agnus_) Magnus? [_Agnus looks up despondently and nods._ THE DEVIL (_to Mrs. Felix, forgetting himself_) No mistaking you: you’re one of my trained women. Any child you will have—will be worth watching— MRS. FELIX (_taken aback_) What! What’s this? What? My poor boy! (_She puts her hand on The Devil’s shoulder_) FANNY Addington doesn’t need your pity, mother! THE DEVIL (_recollecting himself_) Mother? Fanny’s mother! Oh, but that must have been when you were just a favorite of the harem! MRS. FELIX (_in amazement_) Whatever has come over you? You—why, you—well—_you_ of all men! (_She seats herself, staring at him with a sort of fascination_) THE DEVIL Your husband— FANNY We’ve had enough of poor father for one day, Addington. Let him rest in his grave! THE DEVIL In his grave—good! I must find you another husband. One worthy of you. For she (_indicates Fanny_) must be taking after her father. MRS. FELIX (_rises and goes concernedly to The Devil; puts her hand on his shoulder_) Boy, boy, what is it? _What_ is it? (_Suddenly_) Addington, will you leave the room for a moment and (_looking at Agnus_) take this gentleman with you? I wish to speak privately with— THE DEVIL You had plenty of time to speak privately with—before you came in. You think I’ve gone mad, don’t you? [_Mrs. Felix steps back, showing that she does._ THE DEVIL You think Fanny’s driven me crazy by making me take Magnus’s offer? Eh? (_Laughs_) Although, who knows? I’ve been called mad many times before. Wisdom is always madness to the ignorant—and anyone too wise for them to understand is a madman. Does this look like a madman? (_Turns to Fanny_) I won’t take Magnus’s offer and I won’t marry you. MAGNUS (_in amazement_) You decline—after just accepting? THE DEVIL Without thanks! (_To Mrs. Felix, with an air of dismissal_) I hope to see you soon again. Meanwhile, I’ll start hunting that husband for you. (_He smiles amiably while all stare at him speechlessly: all animated by the steadily growing conviction that he is utterly insane—although his final words impress Mrs. Felix_) MRS. FELIX (_after a breathless pause_) It’s only a spell. It’ll pass. (_To Agnus_) A trip’s what you need—a _long_ trip. No work. No thinking. Just rest. THE DEVIL (_amused_) Still diagnosing insanity? MRS. FELIX Oh, no! Everyone has restless spells. The excitement of the Nobel prize—Mr. Magnus’s offer—Fanny— FANNY Don’t blame me, mother. I’m sure this is just what I expected—keeping at those horrid microscopes day and night. It was for his own good I advised him to accept. THE DEVIL Don’t lie, Fanny. [_Agnus, agonized, makes gestures for The Devil to stop._ FANNY (_scandalized_) Addington! If I thought you were responsible for what you’re saying— THE DEVIL