Chapter 5

           Thebrickfrontwasjustinalinewiththestreet,orrathertheroad.Behindthedoorhungacloakwithasmallcollar,abridle,andablackleathercap,andonthefloor,inacorner,wereapairofleggings,stillcoveredwithdrymud.Ontherightwastheoneapartment,thatwasbothdiningandsittingroom.Acanaryyellowpaper,relievedatthetopbyagarlandofpaleflowers,waspuckeredeverywhereoverthebadlystretchedcanvas;whitecalicocurtainswitharedborderhungcrosswaysatthelengthofthewindow;andonthenarrowmantelpieceaclockwithaheadofHippocratesshoneresplendentbetweentwoplatecandlesticksunderovalshades.OntheothersideofthepassagewasCharles’sconsultingroom,alittleroomaboutsixpaceswide,withatable,threechairs,andanofficechair.Volumesofthe"DictionaryofMedicalScience,"uncut,butthebindingrathertheworseforthesuccessivesalesthroughwhichtheyhadgone,occupiedalmostalongthesixshelvesofadealbookcase.

           Thesmellofmeltedbutterpenetratedthroughthewallswhenhesawpatients,justasinthekitchenonecouldhearthepeoplecoughingintheconsultingroomandrecountingtheirhistories.

           Then,openingontheyard,wherethestablewas,camealargedilapidatedroomwithastove,nowusedasawood-house,cellar,andpantry,fullofoldrubbish,ofemptycasks,agriculturalimplementspastservice,andamassofdustythingswhoseuseitwasimpossibletoguess.