Mrs Plant. Yes, sir; but it would be less trouble for you, sir.

Merton. And less money. I could hardly keep up this house if I had no patients.

Mrs Plant. No, sir. Oh, I quite see that you have to put up with them.

Merton. I rang for you to say first that I shall be going into Surrey to-morrow for the day probably.

Mrs Plant. Yes, sir.

Merton [evidently hesitating]. And next week I'm going to Scotland.

Mrs Plant. Are you, sir? You don't often go away so early in the year.

Merton. I am going to stay at Castle Gairloch.

Mrs Plant [impressed]. Indeed, sir—with the Countess? Oh! indeed. You would see a letter that the Countess sent round by hand just after you went out.

Merton. Yes, I've seen it. It's about the journey. It's rather a difficult place to get to, it seems.