(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—