human
I hope you can give me good news of the patient?
gpt
No, snapped out the doctor.
human
Mrs. Crichton is very seriously, not to say dangerously, ill.
gpt
I am awfully sorry--
human
Oh, you are, are you? interrupted the doctor, and this time there could be no doubt he was intentionally insulting.
gpt
Will you then be kind enough to explain how your wife happens to be in the condition she is?
human
What condition?
gpt
Tut, man, don't pretend to be ignorant. Remember I am a doctor and can testify to the facts; yes, facts,
human
For God's sake, doctor, tell me what is the matter with her. I swear I haven't the faintest idea.
gpt
Your wife has been recently flogged!
human
Flogged! How awful! But I can't believe it.
gpt
Indeed!
human
Certainly not. You must be mistaken. The bruises may be the result of a fall.
gpt
They are not,
human
Flogged! here in England, in the twentieth century! But who could have done such a thing?
gpt
That is for you to explain, and I must warn you that unless your explanation is unexpectedly satisfactory, I shall at once notify the police.
human
But, doctor, I know no more about it than you do.
gpt
So you think that it will be sufficient for you to deny all knowledge as to how, where, and by whom a woman who is your wife--yes, sir--your wife, has been maltreated? Man, do you take me for a fool?