Peacock Consider the way we work together. I prescribe imaginary medicines found only in your apothecary shop. I praise their healthfulness, their propriety, and your skill in blending drugs.
Flem And for my part, I never miss a chance to praise you. I speak of your miraculous cures—which, in truth, I've seen very few of.
Peacock
Thus, we help one another.
Flem And, I tell all the patients who come to me about you, praise you to the skies, and belittle or disparage all other doctors without exception.
Peacock We do everything that a doctor and a pharmacist can do for each other. We work in perfect harmony. And, to further our friendship, I am going to tell you about a little investment I have made. I've taken out a ten thousand pound Tontine on him.
Flem
Flem
You? (puzzled) Why?
Peacock (supercilously)
You know what a Tontine is, of course?
Flem Certainly, a Tontine is—a Tontine is—(helplessly) What the devil is a Tontine?
Peacock (smugly triumphant) It's a last man out club. The survivor gets all the money from all the policies.
Flem
That's clever. So if you die—