The White Plague [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 431-504]

470 KAREL CAPEK
MOTHER
No, I don't. I think peace is our most vital interest.
FATHER
Look, I don't want to argue, but let me tell you: if I had to choose between
the white plague and universal peace I'd choose the plague. There, now you
know where I stand.
MOTHER
Whatever you say, dear...
FATHER
Wait a second, what's wrong with you? You're all... What are you wearing
that shawl for? Are you cold?
MOTHER
No.
FATHER
Then take it off. (Pulls the shawl. MOTHER stands without a word.) 0
my God! A white spot!
SCENE TWO
(GALEN's waiting room. Two LEPERS and MOTHER and FATHER
are waiting their turn.)
FIRST LEPER
Want to see my throat?
SECOND LEPER
Looks good.
FIRST LEPER
You bet it does! The doc says I'm coming along just fine.
SECOND LEPER
Know what he said to me? 'You're on your way,' he said, 'It's gone down
a lot since last time.'
FIRST LEPER
You see?
SECOND LEPER
You know, he didn't even want to take me at first. 'You're a baker,' he
said. 'I only treat the poor.' So I said to him, I said, 'Nobody'll buy bread