“I was going to say,” continued Gellow, carefully selecting one out of the four cigars he carried, for no earthly reason, since he would smoke all the others in their turn. “I was going to say that it is a wonderful thing how Nature always gives the most beautiful women the worst tempers.”
“Compensation?” hazarded Asher.
“Eh? Yes; I suppose so. Going, doctor?”
“Yes; other patients to see.”
“Then my eternal gratitude, sir, for what you have done, and with all due respect to you and your skill, I hope I may never have to place a certain lady in your care again. Shake hands, my dear sir. Doctor Asher, I think you are called? That name will be engraven on the lady’s heart.”
“You will take the greatest care?” said Asher.
“Of course.”
“And break the journey, if needful?”
“And break the journey if I think it needful. You need be under no apprehension, my dear doctor. Good-morning, and goodbye.
“Yes; bless her! I’ll take the greatest care, Asher, by gad!” said Gellow to himself, as he saw the doctor pass the window, when he filled his own glass, took a hasty sip, and then drew out his pocket-book.