MARIA : It’s awful. I can’t move without great stabs of pain.
JOHN : There!
MARIA : It’s terrible. Just think. One moment I’m full of energy and activity and the next I’m 5 stretched on the floor unable to move.
JOHN : DOCTOR: I’m sure it’ll be all right when the doctor arrives.
MARIA : Suppose it isn’t. Suppose I’ve got to lie in bed for the rest of my life or use a wheelchair.
JOHN : It’s very unlikely. I’m sure you’ve just strained something.
MARIA: I feel so afraid. Think of years and years just looking at the ceiling. It happens to some people.
JOHN : You mustn’t upset yourself. It doesn’t do any good.
MARIA : I know. But what can I do? I’m sure the doctor will hurt me.
JOHN : He won’t. He’ll probably get you right in no 20 times at all. After all with modern medicine
MARIA : Yes, just think of being ill a hundred years ago.
JOHN : Well, it isn’t a hundred years ago.
MARIA: No anesthetics. They used to make patients 25 drunk before cutting off their legs with a saw, didn’t they?
JOHN : But that’s all over.
MARIA : And people dying suddenly of appendicitis without even knowing what was happening.
JOHN : Well, we’re luckier now. (Bell rings.) Ah, there’s the doctor.
MARIA : If only I hadn’t tried to lift that bookcase. Suppose I have to go to hospital. It may take years.
DOCTOR : Hello, Mrs. Sallis. Taking a rest on the floor are you? Well, well, well. Trying to lift some- thing too heavy for you, your husband tells me
MARIA : Yes. Will it be all right?
DOCTOR : I expect so. Now try and get up.
MARIA : But it’s too painful.
DOCTOR : Come on. I’ll help you.
MARIA : Ouch.
DOCTOR : That’s it. Now give me your right hand. Fine.
MARIA : Oh. You shouldn’t pull
DOCTOR : No. Is that all right?
MARIA : Well. Yes. It seems to be. How did you do that?
DOCTOR : Oh, just a question of getting things into place again.
