"Art," said the Doctor, "may be recompensed, but cannot be purchased.
You have already paid me more than enough to take the utmost care I can
of your lady; should I accept more money, it could only be for
promising, by implication at least, what is beyond my power to perform.
Every possible care shall be taken of your lady, and that affords the
best chance of her being speedily able to travel. Now, go you to the
inn, sir, for I may be instantly wanted, and we have not yet provided
either an attendant for the lady, or a nurse for the child; but both
shall be presently done."

"Yet a moment, Doctor--what languages do you understand?"

"Latin and French I can speak indifferently, and so as to be understood;
and I read a little Italian."

"But no Portuguese or Spanish?" continued the stranger.

"No, sir."

"That is unlucky. But you may make her understand you by means of
French. Take notice, you are to comply with her request in
everything--if you want means to do so, you may apply to me."

"May I ask, sir, by what name the lady is to be"--

"It is totally indifferent," said the stranger, interrupting the
question; "You shall know it at more leisure."

So saying, he threw his ample cloak about him, turning himself half