“Mr. Green,” said he, “have you heard anything about this report of Dr. Harvey's intemperance?”
“Dr. Harvey's intemperance?” cried Mr. Green, astonished.
“Yes—a flying report.”
“No, I'm sure I haven't.”
“Of course, then, you don't know whether it is true or not?”
“What?”
“That he drinks.”
“I never heard of it before. Dr. Harvey is my family physician, and I certainly would not employ a man addicted to the use of ardent spirits.”
“Nor I,” said Mr. Query “and for this reason, and for the doctor's sake, too, I want to know the truth of the matter. I don't really credit it myself; but I thought it would do no harm to inquire.”
Mr. Query next applied to Squire Worthy for information.