"
"Let me set you right in that particular," interrupted the surgeon. "We
must all die, it is true, but it is permitted us to use the lights of
science, in arresting dangers as they occur, until--"
"We can die _secundem artem_," cried the trooper.
To this observation the physician did not deign to reply; but, deeming
it necessary to his professional dignity that the conversation should
continue, he added,--
"Perhaps, in this instance, judicious treatment might have prolonged the
life of the patient. Who administered to the case?"
"No one yet," said the housekeeper, with quickness. "I expect he has
made his last will and testament."
The surgeon disregarded the smile of the ladies, and pursued his
inquiries.
"It is doubtless wise to be prepared for death. But under whose care was
the sick man during his indisposition?"
"Under mine," answered Katy, with an air of a little importance. "And
care thrown away I may well call it; for Harvey is quite too despisable
to be any sort of compensation at present."
The mutual ignorance of each other's meaning made very little
interruption to the dialogue, for both took a good deal for granted, and
Sitgreaves pursued the subject.
"And how did you treat him?"
"Kindly, you may be certain," said Katy, rather tartly.
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