“I know of no other than those under this roof, Doctor Price. I insist, therefore, that you remain here.”
“I will return before evening, Sir Within.”
“If you leave this now, Sir, you need not return.”
“Let me entreat you to moderate your warmth, and hear me.”
“Sir, I accept no lessons on the mode in which I should comport myself. My education is not, I would hope, yet to be made in this respect. You stay now, or you never re-cross this threshold.”
“Then I most respectfully take my leave, Sir.”
As he moved towards the door, Sir Within placed himself against it.
“This is conduct, Sir,” cried he, passionately, “for which I was in no way prepared. It is the first time in my life I have been a physician refuse his services to those who had the right to call for, and the ability to requite them. I will not suffer it.”
The Doctor moved his head mournfully, and muttered a few low and indistinct words.
“No, Sir, I want no apologies. I will not listen to excuses!” cried Sir Within, whose cheek was in a flame, and his eye flashing with anger. “I have done my best—my very best—to misunderstand your ‘meaning; I have tried my utmost to persuade myself that this was no intentional slight; but, apparently, Sir, you insist that I should know it, and feel it.”