"Oh, yes; but I must," said Frank, who thought that he had done enough for civility, and was now anxious to come to the point. "The fact is, doctor, that we are very much obliged for what you have done; but, for the future, my mother thinks she can trust to such assistance as she can get here in the village."
Frank had been particularly instructed to be very careful how he mentioned Dr Thorne's name, and, therefore, cleverly avoided it.
Get what assistance she wanted in the village! What words were those that he heard? "Mr Gresham, eh—hem—perhaps I do not completely—" Yes, alas! he had completely understood what Frank had meant that he should understand. Frank desired to be civil, but he had no idea of beating unnecessarily about the bush on such an occasion as this.
"It's by Sir Omicron's advice, Dr Fillgrave. You see, this man here"—and he nodded his head towards the doctor's house, being still anxious not to pronounce the hideous name—"has known my mother's constitution for so many years."
"Oh, Mr Gresham; of course, if it is wished."
"Yes, Dr Fillgrave, it is wished. Lunch is coming directly:" and Frank rang the bell.
"Nothing, I thank you, Mr Gresham."
"Do take a glass of sherry."
"Nothing at all, I am very much obliged to you."
"Won't you let the horses get some oats?"