"To be discreet was one of my chief orders, and I am in the mansion of those who brook no trifling; and, as the great Rabellais was wont to say, discretion to a physician was as necessary as a needle to a compass."
"All this mystery seems rather peculiar and unnecessary; but thus much I can discern, that the younger gentlewoman treats the other with such deference and respect, that her rank must be inferior, though her beauty is second to none that I have seen even at the court of France."
"You are an acute observer, sir," replied the leech, reddening, and with some alarm; "but may not such deference and respect arise from her junior years?"
"Scarcely; for I can perceive that the elder is barely thirty years of age."
"Yet she has buried a second husband and at least two children."
"I shall soon discover her if you give me but one or two more such other details," said Florence laughing.
"You will not attempt it, I hope," said Master Posset, with growing alarm, and preparing to withdraw.
"Most worthy doctor, what is that which succeeds best in this world?"
"I know not."
"Shall I tell you?"