Page:The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, Volume 1 - Smollett (1772).djvu/49

 made her as found and as fresh as a new born infant." "Sir (cried my uncle peevishly) I have no reason to flatter myself that my disorder comes within the efficacy of your nostrum. But this patient you talk of may not be so found at bottom as you imagine." "I can't possibly be mistaken (rejoined the philosopher) for I have had communication with her three times—I always ascertain my cures in that manner." At this remark, all the ladies retired to another corner of the room, and some of them began to spit.—As to my uncle, though he was ruffled at first by the doctor's saying he was dropsical, he could not help smiling at this ridiculous confession, and, I suppose, with a view to punish this original, told him there was a wart upon his nose, that looked a little suspicious. "I don't pretend to be a judge of those matters (said he) but I understand that warts are often produced by the distemper; and that one upon your nose seems to have taken possession of the very keystone of the bridge, which I hope is in no danger of falling." Ln seemed a little confounded at this remark, and assured him it was nothing but a com-