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Eliot Foley: Apart from my bit of nonsense, the curious thing is that all of you, even Sally, seems to have had one of these extraordinary experiences
Joan Cortland: Well, perhaps they aren't so extraordinary. Perhaps they happen to most people.
Eliot Foley: Oh, you mean there's a ghost as well as a skeleton in everyone's cupboard.
[laughs]
Eliot Foley: That's a pretty thought!
Walter Craig: And what's the ghost in your cupboard, Doctor?
Dr. van Straaten: Well, there was one occasion in my professional career that made me wonder. Made me wonder quite a lot.
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Dr. van Straaten: Of course! Dr. van Straaten. You're a psychiatrist. You always treat me. You'll treat me now, won't you?
Walter Craig: You must forgive me; I don't quite understand the joke.
Walter Craig: It isn't a joke. I only wish it were. I've seen you in my dreams. Sounds like a sentimental song, doesn't it? I've dreamt about you over and over again, Doctor.
Dr. van Straaten: That hardly turns you into a mental case. After all, recurring dreams are quite common.
Walter Craig: But how did I come to dream about you? I've never set eyes on you in my life.
Dr. van Straaten: It's very likely you've seen my photograph in the papers. That's why my face seems familiar to you.
Walter Craig: I don't think so. And even if it were, is that any reason why I should keep on dreaming about you? After all, you don't mean anything to me.
Dr. van Straaten: Huh. Well, maybe an association of ideas. I may be linked with something that means a great deal to you.
Walter Craig: Such as?
Dr. van Straaten: I should have to psychoanalyze you to find that out.
Walter Craig: But it doesn't end there. You see, everybody in this room is part of my dream. Everybody.
[the guests burst into exclamations]
Peter Jones
Extended Reading
