The doctor gave a scrape with his right foot, like a cock who is preparing for battle, and crowed in his sharpest tones:
"It was unfortunate, then, that when Adam ate that unlucky apple, there was no doctor by. The poor fellow would probably be living now. Hm, hm!"
He glared wrathfully through his spectacles at the chaplain to see if his shot had told, but the chaplain only smiled.
"Still sitting in the seat of the scorner, doctor?"
"I must stay where I am; I do not belong to those who are never squeamish about pushing for a good place."
"But to those who are never at a loss for a sharp answer."
"Sharp only for souls as soft as butter."
"You know that I am a minister of peace."
"But you may change your service."
"And that it is my office to forgive."