MISS GILPIN (_as he is about to hand it to her--decisively_). No, my dear, you mustn't. Put the case right down there, Mr. Nicholls. I'll have it taken to Miss Carmody's room in a moment. (_She shakes her finger at_ Eileen _with kindly admonition._) That's the first rule you'll have to learn. Never exert yourself or tax your strength. It's very important. You'll find laziness is a virtue instead of a vice with us. EILEEN (_confused_). I--I didn't know---- MISS GILPIN (_smiling_). Of course you didn't. And now if you'll come with me I'll show you your room. We'll have a little chat there and I can explain all the other important rules in a second. The gentlemen can make themselves comfortable in the meantime. We won't be gone more than a moment. NICHOLLS (_feeling called upon to say something_). Yes--we'll wait--certainly, we're all right. (Carmody _remains silent, glowering at the fire._ Nicholls _sits down beside him._ Miss Gilpin _and_ Eileen _go out._ Murray _switches his chair so that he can observe the two men out of the corner of his eye while pretending to be absorbed in his book._) CARMODY (_looking about shiftily and reaching for the inside pocket of his overcoat_). I'll be havin' a nip now we're alone, and that cacklin' hen gone. I'm feelin' sick in the pit of the stomach. (_He pulls out a pint flask, half full._) NICHOLLS (_excitedly_). For God's sake, don't! Put that bottle away! (_In a whisper._) Don't you see that fellow in the chair there? CARMODY (_taking a big drink_). Ah, I'm not mindin' a man at all. Sure I'll bet it's himself would be likin' a taste of the same. (_He appears about to get up and invite_ Murray _to join him, but_ Nicholls _grabs his arm._) NICHOLLS (_with a frightened look at_ Murray _who appears buried in his book_). Stop it, you---- Don't you know he's probably a patient and they don't allow them---- CARMODY (_scornfully_). A sick one, and him readin' a book like a dead man without a civil word out of him! It's queer they'd be allowin' the sick ones to read books, when I'll bet it's the same lazy readin' in the house brought the half of them down with the consumption itself. (_Raising his voice._) I'm thinking this whole shebang is a big, thievin' fake--and I've always thought so. NICHOLLS (_furiously_). Put that bottle away, damn it! And don't shout. You're not in a public-house. CARMODY (_with provoking calm_). I'll put it back when I'm ready, not before, and no lip from you! NICHOLLS (_with fierce disgust_). You're drunk now. It's disgusting. CARMODY (_raging_). Drunk, am I? Is it the like of a young jackass like you that's still wet behind the ears to be tellin' me I'm drunk? NICHOLLS (_half-rising from his chair--pleadingly_). For heaven's sake, Mr. Carmody, remember where we are and don't raise any rumpus. What'll Eileen say? Do you want to make trouble for her at the start?