Medical etiquette, you know; the constant and salutary rule of the profession!" "Why not ?" he asked, astonished.
"The ship carries a surgeon," I replied, in my most precise tone.

"He is a duly qualified gentleman, very able in his profession, and he ought to inspire your wife with confidence.

I regard this vessel as Dr.Boyell's practice, and all on board it as virtually his patients." Sir Ivor's face fell.

"But Lady Meadowcroft is not at all well," he answered, looking piteous; "and--she can't endure the ship's doctor.
Such a common man, you know! His loud voice disturbs her.

You MUST have noticed that my wife is a lady of exceptionally delicate nervous organisation." He hesitated, beamed on me, and played his trump card.
"She dislikes being attended by owt but a GENTLEMAN." "If a gentleman is also a medical man," I answered, "his sense of duty towards his brother practitioners would, of course, prevent him from interfering in their proper sphere, or putting upon them the unmerited slight of letting them see him preferred before them." "Then you positively refuse ?" he asked, wistfully, drawing back.