Page:Austen Sanditon and other miscellanea.djvu/35

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SANDITON
11

getting up to his house myself; I will thank you to send off one of these good People for the Surgeon.’ ‘The Surgeon, Sir!’ replied Mr. Heywood, ‘I am afraid you will find no surgeon at hand here, but I dare say we shall do very well without him.’ ‘Nay, Sir, if he is not in the way, his Partner will do just as well—or rather better. I would rather see his Partner indeed—I would prefer the attendance of his Partner. One of these good people can be with him in three minutes I am sure. I need not ask whether I see the House’ (looking towards the Cottage), ‘for excepting your own, we have passed none in this place which can be the abode of a Gentleman.’ Mr. Heywood looked very much astonished, and replied: ‘What, Sir! are you expecting to find a Surgeon in that Cottage? We have neither Surgeon nor Partner in the Parish, I assure you.’ ‘Excuse me, Sir,’ replied the other. `I am sorry to have the appearance of contradicting you, but though from the extent of the Parish or some other cause you may not be aware of the fact;—stay—Can I be mistaken in the place?—Am I not in Willingden?—Is not this Willingden?’ ‘Yes, Sir, this is certainly Willingden.' 'Then, Sir, I can bring proof of your having a Surgeon in the Parish—whether you may know it or not. Here, Sir’ (taking out his Pocket book), ‘if you will do me the favour of casting your eye over these advertisements, which I cut out myself from the Morning Post and the Kentish Gazette, only yesterday morning in London, I think you will be convinced that I am not speaking at random. You will find it an advertisement, Sir, of the dissolution of a Partnership in the Medical Line—in your own Parish—extensive Business—undeniable Character—respectable references—wishing to form a separate Establishment. You will find it at full length, Sir,’ offering him the two little oblong extracts. `Sir,’ said Mr. Heywood with a good-humoured smile, ‘if you were