The only
point he clearly comprehended, was, that the new element usually
brought into these discussions by Snitchey and Craggs, never served
to make them clearer, and always seemed to give the Doctor a
species of advantage and confirmation. Therefore, he looked upon
the Firm as one of the proximate causes of his state of mind, and
held them in abhorrence accordingly.
'But, this is not our business, Alfred,' said the Doctor. 'Ceasing
to be my ward (as you have said) to-day; and leaving us full to the
brim of such learning as the Grammar School down here was able to
give you, and your studies in London could add to that, and such
practical knowledge as a dull old country Doctor like myself could
graft upon both; you are away, now, into the world. The first term
of probation appointed by your poor father, being over, away you go
now, your own master, to fulfil his second desire. And long before
your three years' tour among the foreign schools of medicine is
finished, you'll have forgotten us. Lord, you'll forget us easily
in six months!'
'If I do - But you know better; why should I speak to you!' said
Alfred, laughing.
'I don't know anything of the sort,' returned the Doctor. 'What do
you say, Marion?'
Marion, trifling with her teacup, seemed to say - but she didn't
say it - that he was welcome to forget, if he could.
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