“It is a fact, universally recognized by Science,” continued Mingote in his melodramatic tones, “that neurasthenia, asthenia, impotency, hysteria and many other disorders of the nervous system.... What other ailments does it cure?” Mingote paused to ask, in his natural voice.
“Rickets, scrofula, chorea....”
“ ... That rickets, scrofula, chorea and many other disorders of the nervous system....”
“Pardon,” interrupted the amanuensis. “I believe that rickets is not a disorder of the nervous system.”
“Very well. Scratch it out. Let’s see; we were at the nervous system, weren’t we?”
“Yes, sir.”
“ ... And other disorders of the nervous system come solely and exclusively from atony,—exhaustion of the nerve-cells. Well, then,—” and Mingote increased the volume of his voice with a new fervour,—“Estrellado Fernández Anis corrects this atony; Estrellado Fernández Anis, exciting the secretion of the gastric juices, routs these ailments which age and destroy mankind.”
After this paragraph, delivered with the greatest enthusiasm and oratorical fire, Mingote brushed his trousers with his cane and muttered, in his natural voice.
“You mark my word. That Señor Fernández won’t pay. And if only the anisette were good! Haven’t they sent some more bottles from the pharmacy?”