Adeline shuddered at the infallibility of his judgment, and made no reply. It was a shocking thing for the poor man, resumed the surgeon.--It was indeed, very shocking, said Adeline.--It affected me a good deal when it happened, continued he.--Undoubtedly, Sir, said Adeline.
But time wears away the most painful impressions.
I think you mention it was about a fortnight since this happened?
Somewhere thereabouts, replied the surgeon without seeming to understand the observation.--And will you permit me, Sir, to ask the name of the physician who so ignorantly opposed you?
He lives in the obscurity he deserves, no doubt, said Adeline.
Why no, Madam, he lives in a town of some note, at about the distance of four leagues from hence; and affords one instance, among many others, that the public opinion, is generally erroneous. You will hardly believe it, but I assure you it is a fact, that this man comes into a great deal of practice, while I am suffered to remain here neglected, and, indeed very little known.
During his narrative Adeline had been considering by what means she could discover the name of the physician; for the instance that had been produced to prove his _ignorance_, and the _infallibility_ of his opponent, had completely settled her opinion concerning them both. She now more than ever wished to deliver Theodore from the hands of the surgeon, and was musing on the possibility, when he with so much self-security, developed the means.
She asked him a few more questions concerning the state of Theodore's wound; and was told it was much as it had been, but that some degree of fever had come on. But I have ordered a fire to be made in the room, continued the surgeon, and some additional blankets to be laid on the bed; these, I doubt not, will have a proper effect. In the mean time they must be careful to keep from him every kind of liquid, except some cordial draughts which I shall send. He will naturally ask for drink, but it must on no account be given to him.
You do not approve then of the method which I have somewhere heard of, said Adeline, of attending to nature in these cases?
Nature, Madam! pursued he, nature is the most improper guide in the world: I always adopt a method directly contrary to what she would suggest; for what can be the use of art, if she is only to follow nature? This was my first opinion on setting out in life, and I have ever since strictly adhered to it. From what I have said, indeed, Madam, you may perhaps perceive that my opinions may be depended on; what they once are they always are, for my mind is not of that frivolous kind to be affected by circumstances.