He took a lens to the astonished man, and effected a minute scrutiny, muttering the while—
“A visible wildness; dilation of the pupil and congestion. You have never slept in the moonlight, now?”
“Never, sir.”
“H’m! Nor been disappointed of a fortune, nor suffered a blow on the head, nor brooded on the covetous infidelity of a loved mistress?”
“Will you tell me plainly, sir, what are the terms you offer for my services?”
“We’ll come to that. Though ’tis true a physician usually asks a fee, not gives it. My services are to you, good man.”
“Then, sir, I decline at once. What? pay you for bringing you custom!”
“You bring me none, I assure you, if not yourself.”
“I’ll bring you none, indeed, nor prostitute my art to such a bargain. Why, do you think I lead the life I do for pleasure?”
“What life, now?”