"Well, I'm sure, sir, we have every reason to be gratified for the very
candid manner you have treated us. Sir, I'm your most obedient servant,"
said the fat one.

"Gentlemen, both your good healths and professional success also:" here
I swallowed a petit verre of brandy; thinking all the while there were
worse things than the practice of physic.

"I hope you are not going," said one, as my chaise drew up at the door.

"Business calls me," said I, "and I can't help it."

"Could not you manage to see our friend here again, in a day or two?"
said the rosy one.

"I fear it will be impossible," replied I; "besides I have a notion he
may not desire it."

"I have been commissioned to hand you this," said the tall doctor, with a
half sigh, as he put a check into my hand.

I bowed slightly, and stuffed the crumpled paper with a half careless air
into my waistcoat pocket, and wishing them both every species of
happiness and success, shook hands four times with each, and drove off;
never believing myself safe 'till I saw the gate-lodge behind me, and
felt myself flying on the road to Kilkenny at about twelve miles Irish an
hour.