You have a cough, Oliver. Perhaps the doctor had better see
you when he comes to see Geraldine.
OLIVER. It was just something tickling my throat, Miss Pinniger.
Er--it was a summer evening.
GOVERNESS. You haven't learnt it, Oliver?
OLIVER. Yes, I have, Miss Pinniger, only I can't quite remember it.
And he before his cottage door---
GOVERNESS. Is it any good, Geraldine, asking you if you have got any
of your sums right?
JILL. I've got one, Miss Pinniger . . . nearly right . . . except for some
of the figures.
GOVERNESS. Well, we shall have to spend more time at our lessons,
that's all. This afternoon--ah--er---
(She stands up as AUNT JANE and the DOCTOR come in.)
AUNT JANE. I'm sorry to interrupt lessons, Miss Pinniger, but I have
brought the Doctor to see Geraldine. (To DOCTOR) You will like her to
go to her room?
DOCTOR. No, no, dear lady. There is no need. Her pulse--(He feels
it)---dear, dear! Her tongue--(She puts it out)--tut-tut! A milk diet,
plenty of rice-pudding, and perhaps she would do well to go to bed
this afternoon.
AUNT JANE. I will see to it, doctor.
JILL (mutinously). I _feel_ quite well.
DOCTOR (to AUNT JANE). A dangerous symptom. _Plenty_ of rice-pudding.
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