Chapter 63

           Theselittlethingsaregreattolittleman.—GOLDSMITH.

           "Haveyouseenmuchofyourscientificphoenix,Lydgate,lately?"saidMr.TolleratoneofhisChristmasdinner-parties,speakingtoMr.Farebrotheronhisrighthand.

           "Notmuch,Iamsorrytosay,"answeredtheVicar,accustomedtoparryMr.Toller’sbanterabouthisbeliefinthenewmedicallight."Iamoutofthewayandheistoobusy."

           "Ishe?Iamgladtohearit,"saidDr.Minchin,withmingledsuavityandsurprise.

           "HegivesagreatdealoftimetotheNewHospital,"saidMr.Farebrother,whohadhisreasonsforcontinuingthesubject:"Ihearofthatfrommyneighbor,Mrs.Casaubon,whogoesthereoften.ShesaysLydgateisindefatigable,andismakingafinethingofBulstrode’sinstitution.Heispreparinganewwardincaseofthecholeracomingtous."

           "Andpreparingtheoriesoftreatmenttotryonthepatients,Isuppose,"saidMr.Toller.

           "Come,Toller,becandid,"saidMr.Farebrother."Youaretooclevernottoseethegoodofaboldfreshmindinmedicine,aswellasineverythingelse;andastocholera,Ifancy,noneofyouareverysurewhatyououghttodo.Ifamangoesalittletoofaralonganewroad,itisusuallyhimselfthatheharmsmorethananyoneelse."

           "IamsureyouandWrenchoughttobeobligedtohim,"saidDr.