When a man's a little bit poorly,
Makes a fuss, wants a nurse,
Thinks he's going to die most surely,
Sends for the doctor who makes him worse.
You know the lines, but whether by the Bard of Avon, or by Chalker in his "Canterbury Tales," I cannot recall. Poor Orange! What a state of mind she will be in!'
'I dare say,' said the Captain, composedly.
'The child will be half mad with alarm. What does the doctor say? What has he given you? Something stinging or routing, eh?'
'I have not sent for him.'
'Not sent for the doctor? By Grogs! and you seriously ill. How do you know but that it may interfere with your marriage on the eighth?'
'That is what I have been supposing.'
'You must get well, my dear boy. You positively must.'
'I hope so, but that does not altogether depend on me.'
'I insist on a doctor being sent for.'