Here the shop door was heard to open and shut; a brisk step sounded, and a gentleman of immaculate dress entered the rear room.
"I ask your pardon, Mr. Dent," said this personage, seeing Anthony.
"It is no matter," said the apothecary. "Come in, Dr. King. I'm chatting with an old friend; that's all."
Dr. King smiled and nodded to the young man.
"Physicians," said he, "are sometimes more urgent in their ways than most; but then their affairs are of a nature that frequently requires it."
"I can well understand that, sir," said Anthony.
The apothecary gave to Dr. King several small packets done in white paper.
"Marrubrium vulgare," said he. "Cynoglossum officinale."
"Quite right," said Dr. King. "I am glad you have them ready, for I am on my way to visit Mr. Moss now."
"He has a bleeding of the lungs, I am told," said Christopher, with his shining head to one side. "That is a serious condition; and of the two remedies I would venture to maintain that Cynoglossum officinale contains the most virtue." He turned to Anthony. "Hound's-tongue," said he. "Do you remember? The leaves are hoary, with soft down on both sides; the flowers are in clusters—"