CHAPTER XII.
THE COURT OF A GRAND POTENTATE.
As we finished our frugal breakfast next morning, the Doctor, who seemed to be one of the most abstemious of men, although much stouter and heavier than I, ordered Florian to send his carriage to the door.
'Let the carriage be a strong one,' he said, 'and as the distance is considerable let us have four horses.'
'Yes.' Did he mean to take me with him, then?
'I am going to visit two old acquaintances of mine, whom I dare say you will recognise when I introduce you to them. I shall be glad of your company, but if you prefer remaining here——'
'I submit myself entirely to your guidance, Doctor,' I replied. We went out into the street and waited until the carriage came round. The street was narrow and rather dark, having but few lamps in it. Many people passed by, but there was no coarse laughter or pretended joy among them. The majority of these were evidently labouring under an accumulation of diseases, and many addressed the Doctor, imploring him to cure their complaints. His general reply was: 'I cannot cure you, I can only alleviate your pains; go round to the dispensary, Doctor Mancus and the apothecaries are there.'
