"Then you're not looking it; which is a pity. Because it's my opinion that you'll want all the stock of health you can lay your hands on if you're to continue to hold your own in Market Hinton."
"What might you happen to mean?--you old croaker!"
"It's easy to call me a croaker, sir, but facts are facts; and I tell you that that new doctor's making things hum--cutting the grass from under your very feet."
"What new doctor?"
"The new doctor. I wasn't aware that there was more than one. If there is then you're in greater luck even than I thought you were."
"Are you alluding to that female creature?"
"I am. I am alluding to Dr Constance Hughes, M.D. (London). Mrs Vickers is of opinion that she's a first-rate doctor."
"Mrs Vickers!--Why, she's one of my oldest patients."
"Precisely; which is perhaps one reason why she feels disposed to try a change. Anyhow she called Dr Constance Hughes in one day, when that medical lady happened to be passing; and I'm inclined to think that, if she could only see her way, she'd like to call her in again."
"Pretty unprofessional conduct! What does the woman mean by it?"