Oldbuck (aside). "The Duchess of Dublin."
Plumpface (aside). The Dublin duchess. (Cough. Aloud.) My dear doctor, I have heard of your skill. May I depend upon you?
Dr. A. At the earliest possible moment.
Oldbuck. You will give me early attention?
Dr. A. Immediate.
Oldbuck. Then I'll hobble home at once. Good day, doctor. (Aside.) When old Plumpface is out of the way, I'll slip back again.
[Exit, L.
Plumpface (coughs). I know your skill, doctor (cough,) and shall depend upon you. Good day. (Cough. Aside.) I'll come back and quicken his memory when Oldbuck is out of sight.
[Exit, L.
Dr. A. (rubbing his hands). Ha, ha! that's a capital joke. Dr. Aconite, poor physician, turns two of the richest men out of his office to wait his pleasure! But that's the right way. 'Twill never do to be too anxious. Egad! they're rich acquisitions; for, though I have never met them, that cough and that gouty foot have been the rounds of the medical fraternity. Wonder how they happened to drop in upon me? No matter; I can cure them both in time. Ah, Time, you are the doctor's best friend, for you pay as you go. Luck's come at last, and that imaginary dinner shall be a real, substantial feast, to mark the day when Dr. Aconite took his first fee.