Maggie (comes close to him.) D'ye call that a whisper?
Plumpface. Hush! (Cough.) Don't let Oldbuck hear. (Cough.) How is she? (Cough.)
Maggie. What she d'ye mane?
Plumpface. Hush! The doctor's (cough) patient here.
Maggie. Is it mysilf? Troth, I'm pickin' up lively.
Plumpface (aside). Her? Can she be the duchess? It must be, incog. Your grace. (Cough.)
Maggie (aside). Your what?
Plumpface. I'm delighted to (cough) meet your highness. (Cough.) When did you leave the old country? (Cough.)
Maggie. The ould counthry, is it?
Oldbuck. Here, this way. (Aside to Maggie.) Plumpface is an old fool. Don't mind him, your grace.