human
My dear, I do own that your father is ill. I own, too, that I have, by his most express wish, made as light of the matter to you as I could. The fact is, Charlotte, he is anxious, very anxious, about himself. He thinks himself much worse than I believe him to be; but his strongest desire is, that now, on the eve of your marriage, you should not be alarmed on his account. I firmly believe you have no cause for any special fear. Ought you not to respect his wishes, and rest satisfied without seeking to know more than he and I tell you? I will swear, Charlotte, if that is any consolation to you, that I am not immediately anxious about your father.
gpt
You need not swear, Uncle Jasper. Your not being anxious does not prevent my being so. I am determined to find out the exact truth. If he thinks himself very ill he has, of course, consulted some medical man. If you will not tell me his name I will myself ask my father to do so to-night.
human
By so doing you will shock him, and the doctor does not wish him to be shocked.
gpt
Just so, Uncle Jasper, and you can spare him that by telling me what you know.
human
My dear niece, if you _will_ have it?
gpt
I certainly am quite resolved, uncle.
human
Well, well, you approach this subject at your peril. If you _must_ see the doctor you must. Wilful woman over again. Would you like me to go with you?
gpt
No, thank you; I prefer to go alone. What is the doctor's name?
human
Sir George Anderson, of B---- Street.
gpt
I will go to him at once,