Drawn Up From Deep Places

(Dismissive)

At any rate, you’ve spent too much time with this man already.

He’s taken to the treatments, does his work and stays quiet;

there are many more who don’t. It is they who require

your attention.

MRS. BENTHAM

. . . Yes, Doctor.

She EXITS, her BOOTS TAPPING AWAY down the hall.

BOWKER

Sir—

(Hesitant)

—this “Stephen,” he seems quiet enough, but . . . well,

You’ve been to London.

PURL

What has that to do with anything?

BOWKER

I’ll come right out with it then—

PURL

I wish you would.

BOWKER

Lean and me, we think he’s the Ripper.

PURL

Well, how stimulating: Two equally absurd theories in one day.

BOWKER

But it fits, don’t you see? It’s been all over the Peelers think

he’s a doctor.

PURL

Or a butcher, or an abortionist, or a Jew, or a Freemason . . .

BOWKER

You can laugh all you want, sir. Still, what if—