Page 40 of 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—