“No, Jack, I can’t afford it, it’s no use; besides, I’m better now.”
“Well, if you can’t afford it, you shall not pay him; and, if he will not come for nothing, I’ll pay him myself.”
“Will you pay him, Jack? that’s a good boy. You promised me bargains, you know; that shall be one of them.”
“Well, mother, I’ll make the bargain that I’ll pay him, if you’ll see him,—so good bye now. Do you want anything before I go?”
“No, Jack, no; I don’t want anything, only just lock the door and take the key with you when you go out, and then no one can rob me, Jack, whilst you’re gone.”
I complied with her request, and ran for Doctor Tadpole, whom I found smoking his cigar in the widow’s shop.
“Doctor,” said I, “old Nanny has been ill in bed these three days, and I want you to go and see her.”
“Does she send you to me, or do you ask it yourself?” said the doctor, “for I think she would die rather than pay the doctor.”
“As for that, Mr Tadpole,” said the widow, “there are many of your patients who send for the doctor without ever intending to pay him. Perhaps old Nanny may go on the same plan.”
“Certainly; that alters the case. Well, Jack, what’s the matter with her?”