LOCHES. Thank you. Now, as to the scoundrel who is the cause of all these misfortunes. DOCTOR [_very gently_] You must excuse me, but that is a subject on which I cannot enter. My functions are only those of a physician. LOCHES [_in a thick voice_] I ask your pardon, but I think when you have heard me for a moment, you will agree with me. I shall not trouble you with the plans of vengeance I formed yesterday, when my poor daughter fled to me with her child in her arms after the revelation that you know. You will excuse me if I speak to you in this state—oh, I can scarcely contain my indignation! I had intended to talk of this calmly: but when I think of that man and of his infamous conduct—the brutal, cowardly blow he has struck at me and mine—I cannot control myself—I, I—. It is abominable! My daughter! A girl of twenty-two! Twenty-two! _A silence._ DOCTOR. I understand and respect your feelings; but, believe me, you are not in a fit state to form any decision at this moment. LOCHES [_with an effort_] Yes, yes: I will command myself. All last night I spent in profound reflection, and after rejecting the ideas I mentioned, this is the conclusion to which I have come in conjunction with my daughter: we desire to obtain a divorce as soon as possible. Consequently I have come to ask you for the certificate which will be the basis of our action. DOCTOR. What certificate? LOCHES. A certificate attesting the nature of the disease which this man has contracted. DOCTOR. I regret that I am unable to furnish you with such a certificate. LOCHES. How is that? DOCTOR. The rule of professional secrecy is absolute. LOCHES. It is impossible that it should be your duty to take sides with a criminal against his innocent victims. DOCTOR. To avoid all discussion, I may add that even were I free, I should refuse your request. LOCHES. May I ask why? DOCTOR. I should regret having helped you to obtain a divorce. LOCHES. Then just because you hold this or that theory, because your profession has rendered you sceptical or insensible to the sight of misery like ours, my daughter must bear this man’s name to the end of her life! DOCTOR. It would be in your daughter’s own interest that I should refuse. LOCHES. Indeed! You have a strange conception of her interest. DOCTOR [_very gently_] In your present state of excitement you will probably begin to abuse me before five minutes are over. That will not disturb a man of my experience, but you see why I refused to discuss these subjects. However, since I have let myself in for it, I may as well explain my position. You ask me for a certificate in order to prove to the court that your son-in-law has contracted syphilis? LOCHES. Yes.