MRS DUBEDAT. I had set my heart your curing Louis.
RIDGEON. Well, Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington—
MRS DUBEDAT. Yes, I know, I know. It is a great privilege to have him. But oh, I wish it had been you. I know it’s unreasonable; I cant explain; but I had such a strong instinct that you would cure him. I dont—I cant feel the same about Sir Ralph. You promised me. Why did you give Louis up?
RIDGEON. I explained to you. I cannot take another case.
MRS DUBEDAT. But at Richmond?
RIDGEON. At Richmond I thought I could make room for one more case. But my old friend Dr Blenkinsop claimed that place. His lung is attacked.
MRS DUBEDAT [attaching no importance whatever to Blenkinsop] Do you mean that elderly man—that rather—
RIDGEON [sternly] I mean the gentleman that dined with us: an excellent and honest man, whose life is as valuable as anyone else’s. I have arranged that I shall take his case, and that Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington shall take Mr Dubedat’s.
MRS DUBEDAT [turning indignantly on him] I see what it is. Oh! it is envious, mean, cruel. And I thought that you would be above such a thing.
RIDGEON. What do you mean?