"I'm sorry to hear that Mrs. Leslie is so ill."
"It's very sad," said the doctor. "Now, what the deuse is this young fellow stopping me for?"—this was his internal comment.
"I hope you don't despair of her."
"Well, sir, she will hold out to-morrow, and the next day, too."
"I beg your pardon. Your check rein is loose. Let me make it right."
"Thank you, Mr. Morton," said the doctor, somewhat mollified.
"Ahem!—Colonel Leslie is well, I hope."
"Apparently so, sir."
"And—ahem!—his family, too."
"I wasn't aware he had a family."