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

THE WHITE PLAGUE 473
GALEN
Yes, that's what they all say... Well, I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do
for you. Good-bye. (Exits.)
MOTHER
I knew it, I knew it...
FATHER
Come on, let's get out of here. This doctor fellow's an insensitive lout.
Trying to do me out of my job...
SCENE THREE
(Dr. Sigelius' office.)
SIGELIUS (at the door)
Do come in, Baron.
BARON (entering)
Thank you, Doctor. I was beginning to think I'd never manage to see you...
SIGELIUS
Oh, I know. In times like these.. Do sit down, Baron. You've been under
a terrible strain lately, I imagine.
BARON
An enormous strain.
SIGELIUS
It's a critical period.
BARON
Critical? Ah, you mean politically. Yes, yes. Very.
SIGELIUS
Especially now that war seems inevitable. And thank God for that!
BARON
Yes, well.. Actually, Sigelius, I came to talk to you about something
else. I'd like to make a donation to your fund for white plague research.
SIGELIUS
How like the Baron! Thinking of science in these trying times. Generous
with his person and with his purse. We shall of course be happy to accept
whatever you see fit to contribute. You may rest assured we shall continue
to make inroads into...