Perhaps he is suffering in health." Alas! Surja Mukhi was building a bridge of sand.
In the house there dwelt a sort of doctor.

Surja Mukhi was the house-mistress.

Sitting behind the _purdah_ (a half-transparent screen) she held converse with everyone, the person addressed remaining in the verandah.

Calling the doctor, Surja Mukhi said-- "The Babu is not well; why do you not give him medicine ?" "Is he ill?
I did not know of it; I have heard nothing." "Has not the Babu told you ?" "No; what is the matter ?" "What is the matter?
Are you a doctor, and do you ask that?
Do I know ?" The doctor was nonplussed, and saying, "I will go and inquire," he was about to leave; but Surja Mukhi, calling him back, said, "Do not ask the Babu about it; give him some medicine." The doctor thought this a peculiar sort of treatment; but there was no lack of medicine in the house, and going to the dispensary, he composed a draught of soda, port-wine, and some simple drugs, and, filling a bottle, labelled it, "To be taken twice a day." Surja Mukhi took the physic to her husband, and requested him to drink it.

Nagendra, taking the bottle, read the inscription, and, hurling it away, struck a cat with it.