it. I can conscientiously report you a healthy subject. If I understand any man's constitution, it is yours; and this little indisposition has done him more good, ma'am,' says the doctor, turning to the patient's wife, `than if he had swallowed the contents of half the nonsensical bottles in my surgery. For they are nonsense-- to tell the honest truth, one half of them are nonsense--compared with such a constitution as his!' (`Jobling is the most friendly creature I ever met with in my life,' thinks the patient; `and upon my word and honour, I'll consider of it!')
`Commission to you, doctor, on four new policies, and a loan this morning, eh?' said Crimple, looking, when they had finished lunch, over some papers brought in by the porter. `Well done!'
`Jobling, my dear friend,' said Tigg, `long life to you.'
`No, no. Nonsense. Upon my word I've no right to draw the commission,' said the doctor, `I haven't really. It's picking your pocket. I don't recommend anybody here. I only say what I know. My patients ask me what I know, and I tell 'em what I know. Nothing else. Caution is my weak side, that's the truth; and always was from a boy. That is,' said the doctor, filling his glass, `caution in behalf of other people. Whether I would repose confidence in this company myself, if I had not been paying money elsewhere for many years--that's quite another question.'
He tried to look as if there were no doubt about it: but feeling that he did it but indifferently, changed the theme and praised the wine.
`Talking of wine,' said the doctor, `reminds me of one of the finest glasses of light old port I ever drank in my life; and that was at a funeral. You have not seen anything of--of that party, Mr. Montague, have you?' handing him a card.
`He is not buried, I hope?' said Tigg, as he took it. `The honour of his company is not requested if he is.'
`Ha, ha!' laughed the doctor. `No; not quite. He was honourably connected with that very occasion though.'
`Oh!' said Tigg, smoothing his moustache, as he cast his eyes upon the name. `I recollect. No. He has not been here.'
The words were on his lips, when Bullamy entered, and presented a card to the Medical Officer.
`Talk of the what's his name,' observed the doctor rising.
`And he's sure to appear, eh?' said Tigg.
`Why, no, Mr. Montague, no,' returned the doctor. `We will not say that in the present case, for this gentleman is very far from it.'
`So much the better,' retorted Tigg. `So much the more adaptable to the Anglo-Bengalee. Bullamy, clear the table and take the things out by the other door. Mr. Crimple, business.'
`Shall I introduce him?' asked Jobling.
`I shall be eternally delighted,' answered Tigg, kissing his hand and smiling sweetly.
The doctor disappeared into the outer office, and immediately returned with Jonas Chuzzlewit.
`Mr. Montague,' said Jobling. `Allow me. My friend Mr. Chuzzlewit. My dear friend--our chairman. Now do you know,' he added checking himself with infinite policy, and looking round with a smile. `that's very singular instance of the force of example. It really is a very remarkable instance of the force of example. I say our chairman. Why do I say our chairman? Because he is not my chairman, you know. I have no connexion with the company, farther than giving them, for a certain fee and reward, my poor opinion