Sir Roger having been declared contractor for cutting a canal from sea to sea, through the Isthmus of Panama, had been making a week of it; and the result was that Lady Scatcherd had written rather peremptorily to her husband's medical friend.
The doctor consequently trotted off to Boxall Hill on his iron-grey cob.

Among his other merits was that of being a good horseman, and he did much of his work on horseback.

The fact that he occasionally took a day with the East Barsetshires, and that when he did so he thoroughly enjoyed it, had probably not failed to add something to the strength of the squire's friendship.
"Well, my lady, how is he?
Not much the matter, I hope ?" said the doctor, as he shook hands with the titled mistress of Boxall Hill in a small breakfast-parlour in the rear of the house.

The show-rooms of Boxall Hill were furnished most magnificently, but they were set apart for company; and as the company never came--seeing that they were never invited--the grand rooms and the grand furniture were not of much material use to Lady Scatcherd.
"Indeed then, doctor, he's just bad enough," said her ladyship, not in a very happy tone of voice; "just bad enough.

There's been some'at at the back of his head, rapping, and rapping, and rapping; and if you don't do something, I'm thinking it will rap him too hard yet." "Is he in bed ?" "Why, yes, he is in bed; for when he was first took he couldn't very well help hisself, so we put him to bed.