human
In all my life I never knew such a very extraordinary thing, said Squire Oglander on the following Tuesday, to his old friend Dr. Splinters.
gpt
Why, look you here, he was wholly given up by the very first man in London--that the poor young fellow was--can you deny that, Splinters?
human
Well, between you and me and the door-post, Squire, answered his learned visitor,
gpt
I am not quite so sure that Sir Anthony is quite the rose and crown of the profession. He may be a great Court card and all that, and the rage with all the nobility; but for all that, Squire, there are good men in comparatively obscure positions; men who have devoted their lives to science from the purest motives; modest men, sir, who are thankful to pocket their poor guinea; men who would scorn any handle to their name or any shabby interloping; sir, I say there are d----d good men----
human
But even you, Splinters, come now--even you gave him up--unless we are wholly misinformed.
gpt
Not at all. That was quite a mistake. The fact was simply this. When Sir Anthony pronounced his opinion at our last consultation, it was not my place to contradict him--we never do that with a London man--but I ventured in my own mind to differ even from our brilliant light, sir. For I said to myself, 'first see the effect of the remedial agent which I myself, in the absence of this Londoner, have exhibited.' I was suddenly called away to retrieve a case of shocking blundering by a quack at Iffley. That was why you did not see me, Squire.
human
Oh, yes, to be sure! I quite see now, answered Mr. Oglander, with a quiet internal wink.
gpt
And when you came you found the most wonderful effect from your remedial agent.
human
That I did. Something I could scarcely have believed. Soft sweet sleep, a genial perspiration, an equable pulse, nice gentle breathing--the very conditions of hygiene which Sir Anthony's efforts could never produce. Why, my good sir, in all the records of the therapeutic art, there is no example of such rapid efficacy. I think it will henceforth be acknowledged that Dr. Splinters knows what he is about. My dear friend, you know that there is nothing I dislike so much as the appearance of vaunting. If I had only condescended to that, nobody could have stopped me, sir. But no, Squire, no; I have always been the same; and I have not an enemy, except myself.
gpt
You may say more than that, sir--a great deal more than that. You may say that you have many friends, doctor, who admire your great abilities. But as to Russel Overshute, if the poor fellow does come round the general belief will be that he must thank the fire-bell.
human
The fire-bell! My dear sir, in this age of advanced therapeutics--Oglander, you must know better than to listen to that low story!
gpt
Splinters, I know that foolish tales are told about almost everything. But being there myself, I thought there might be something in it.
human
Nothing whatever! I never heard such nonsense! I was quite angry with Esther Cripps. What can chits of girls know? They must have their chatter.
gpt
I suppose they must, said the Squire sadly, thinking of his own dear Grace;
human
Oglander, answered Dr. Splinters, putting up his great gold spectacles, so that beneath them he might see--for he never could see through them--how to pour out his fine glass of port,
gpt
Oglander, you have something or other that you are keeping in the background. Squire, whatever it is, out with it. Between you and me, sir, there should be nothing but downright yes or no, Mr. Oglander. Downright yes or no, sir.
human
Of course, of course, said the Squire, relapsing into some quiet mood again;
gpt
How the deuce did you get hold of this? cried Splinters, being an angry man when taken without notice;
human
I call her a good and a brave girl!--the very best girl in Beckley, since--but, my dear Splinters, you must not be vexed. She told me that you had the greatest faith in this last idea of yours; and it struck me at once that you might wish to try it in some other case; and so I brought it. You see it has not been opened.
gpt
It doesn't matter whether it was used or not, cried Dr. Splinters vehemently;
human
Far be such a thing from me! the Squire replied, with a little indignation at such an idea; and then, remembering that Splinters was his guest, he changed the subject.
gpt
How could I help having faith in the Lord, when I see His care made manifest? Why, look at me, Splinters; I am twice the man I was last Sunday morning! Why is it so? Why, because it pleased a gracious Providence to make it my duty, as a man, to ride!--to ride, sir, a very considerable distance, on a mare who had been eating her head off. Every one vowed that I never could do it; and my good housekeeper locked me in; and when I unscrewed the lock, she sent two men after me, to pick me up. Very good, sir; here I am, enjoying my glass of port, with the full intention of having another. Yesterday I sent to our road-contractor for a three-headed and double-handed hammer; and Kale smashed up, in about two minutes, three hundred and twenty medicine bottles! They will come in for the top of the orchard wall.
human
Squire, answered Splinters, with a twinkling eye,
gpt
There is no other place in the world for you, except Beckley, for some hours, my friend. We have known one another long enough, to allow for one another now. I would have arranged a rubber for you--but, but--well, you know what I mean--sadly selfish; but I cannot help it.