MARIETTA and DOCTORE ALPHONSO in the kitchen. She is plucking a chicken as they talk.

MARRIETTA

So, how long should I wait before calling him to supper?

ALPHONSO

She should be finished in an hour. Maybe sooner. Maybe much sooner. Considering his condition... Tell me, Marietta, how long do you think you can afford to pay this girl?

MARRIETTA

You’re just annoyed that I am using the money I used to pay you for bleedings.

ALPHONSO

I do not counsel that you deprive yourself of my services for long. You must care for your health.

MARRIETTA

I must care for my financial health. He needs to get a job. She’ll tell him that, won’t she?

ALPHONSO

I might be willing to bleed you for free, if you could pay me in another currency.

MARRIETTA

Ah. You’d like me to bake for you, perhaps? I