It would appear that the system of Lady Cankaby--excuse me: I should say of Mrs Dombey: I confuse the names of cases--' 'So very numerous,' murmured the family practitioner--'can't be expected I'm sure--quite wonderful if otherwise--Doctor Parker Peps's West-End practice--' 'Thank you,' said the Doctor, 'quite so.

It would appear, I was observing, that the system of our patient has sustained a shock, from which it can only hope to rally by a great and strong--' 'And vigorous,' murmured the family practitioner.
'Quite so,' assented the Doctor--'and vigorous effort.

Mr Pilkins here, who from his position of medical adviser in this family--no one better qualified to fill that position, I am sure.' 'Oh!' murmured the family practitioner.

'"Praise from Sir Hubert Stanley!"' 'You are good enough,' returned Doctor Parker Peps, 'to say so.

Mr Pilkins who, from his position, is best acquainted with the patient's constitution in its normal state (an acquaintance very valuable to us in forming our opinions in these occasions), is of opinion, with me, that Nature must be called upon to make a vigorous effort in this instance; and that if our interesting friend the Countess of Dombey--I beg your pardon; Mrs Dombey--should not be--' 'Able,' said the family practitioner.
'To make,' said Doctor Parker Peps.
'That effort,' said the family practitioner.
'Successfully,' said they both together.
'Then,' added Doctor Parker Peps, alone and very gravely, a crisis might arise, which we should both sincerely deplore.' With that, they stood for a few seconds looking at the ground.