He then said he would retire to the inn,
where he begged a message might instantly acquaint
him with the expected change in the lady's
situation.
``She is of rank,'' he said, ``and a foreigner;
let no expense be spared. We designed to have
reached Edinburgh, but were forced to turn off the
road by an accident.'' Once more he said, ``let
no expense be spared, and manage that she may
travel as soon as possible.''
``That,'' said the Doctor, ``is past my control.
Nature must not be hurried, and she avenges herself
of every attempt to do so.''
``But art,'' said the stranger, ``can do much,''
and he proffered a second purse, which seemed as
heavy as the first.
``Art,'' said the Doctor, ``may be recompensed,
but cannot be purchased. You have already paid
me more than enough to take the utmost care I can
of your lady; should I accept more money, it could
only be for promising, by implication at least, what
is beyond my power to perform. Every possible
care shall be taken of your lady, and that affords
the best chance of her being speedily able to travel.
---Now, go you to the inn, sir, for I may be instantly
wanted, and we have not yet provided
either an attendant for the lady, or a nurse for the
child; but both shall be presently done.
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