Dr. G. Then I suppose I’ll have to lump it, and say $500 per annum.
Mr. C. Well, then, we’ll consider that matter settled; and as two of the boys are sick, I’ll send them over. So I’ll bid you good day, doctor. I would be glad if you would come over some time, and bring Mrs. Gaines with you.
Dr. G. Yes, I will; and shall be glad if you will pay us a visit, and bring with you Mrs. Campbell. Come over and spend the day.
Mr. C. I will. Good morning, doctor.
[Exit Mr. Campbell, R.
Dr. G. There, my dear, what do you think of that? Five hundred dollars more added to our income. That’s patronage worth having! And I am glad to get all the negroes I can to doctor, for Cato is becoming very useful to me in the shop. He can bleed, pull teeth, and do almost any thing that the blacks require. He can put up medicine as well as any one. A valuable boy, Cato!
Mrs. G. But why did you ask Mr. Campbell to visit you, and to bring his wife? I am sure I could never consent to associate with her, for I understand that she was the daughter of a tanner. You must remember, my dear, that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth. The blood of the Wyleys runs in my veins. I am surprised that you should ask him to visit you at all; you should have known better.
Dr. G. Oh, I did not mean for him to visit me. I only invited him for the sake of compliments, and I think he so understood it; for I should be far from wishing you to associate with Mrs. Campbell. I don’t forget, my dear, the family you were raised in, nor do I overlook my own family. My father, you know, fought by the side of Washington, and I hope some day to have a handle to my own name. I am certain Providence intended me for something higher than a medical man. Ah! by-the-by, I had forgotten that I have a couple of patients to visit this morning. I must go at once.
[Exit Dr. Gaines, R.
Enter Hannah, L.