At first, though, even she had to admit there was
nothing to complainof. Even had you got on well, you couldnt have put up with the
lack ofthat.
And: We want nofledglings, no young sawbones in a
position such as this, sir! Of the person who bore his name he had naturally heard
nothing at thetime of buying. Why, its virtually winter already, andthe worst
possible time of year to travel about in. But after reading up the subjectin the
Medical Library he changed his mind. Chapter VThe practice bore out its reputation.
You say hes hard to manage, Mary, she went on. The one attempt he did make turned
out poorly.
Her words were addressed to Mary, who was rattlinga
sewing-machine as if her life depended on it.
And it was all very well for him to say,dont draw
comparisons; how could one help it?
Yes, and while I hum and haw and think myself too
good for it, someone else snaps it up.
And was in apanic at the rate our funds were
running away.
How could she,indeed, when she sat for hours at a
stretch stooped over her needle? Come, mother, let me give her a little
pleasure.
In such a climate she was muchbetter without. Even
had you got on well, you couldnt have put up with the lack ofthat. But for the most
part she felt troubled and anxious.
For example, the visit, famousin local history,
paid by old Brocklebank to Bellevue Castle. The two women roseat daybreak to clean
the steps and polish the knocker. But for him now to rush tothe other
extreme!
Living inthe colony, too, one learnt to make up
ones mind quickly. Altogether, the accommodation was so cramped that it was
likeliving in a mouse-trap.