Didn't you see that cursed fellow, Dangerfield,
sneering at us--curse him--I suppose he never heard a gentleman sing
before; and, by Jove, Puddock, you know you do make a fellow go over the
same thing so often it's enough to make a dog laugh.'
A minute after Dangerfield had mounted Sturk's door-steps, and asked to
see the doctor. He was ushered up stairs and into that back drawing-room
which we know so well. Sturk rose as he entered.
'Your most obedient, Mr. Dangerfield,' said the doctor, with an anxious
bow.
'Good-morning, Sir,' said Dangerfield. 'I've got your note, and am here
in consequence; what can I do?'
Sturk glanced at the door, to see it was shut, and then said--
'Mr. Dangerfield, I've recollected a--_something_.'
'You _have_? ho! Well, my good Sir?'
'You, I know, were acquainted with--with _Charles Archer_?'
Sturk looked for a moment on the spectacles, and then dropped his eyes.
'Charles Archer,' answered Dangerfield promptly, 'yes, to be sure. But,
Charles, you know, got into trouble, and 'tis not an acquaintance you or
I can boast of; and, in fact, we must not mention him; and I have long
ceased to know anything of him.
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