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Not but
that the harmony of the conversation was that same night interrupted
by a dispute that arose between one of those young gentlemen and
the physician, about the cold and hot methods of prescription in
the gout and rheumatism; and proceeded to such a degree of mutual
reviling, that Pickle, ashamed and incensed at his fellow-traveller's
want of urbanity, espoused the other's cause, and openly rebuked
him for his unmannerly petulance, which, he said, rendered him
unfit for the purposes, and unworthy of the benefit, of society.
This unexpected declaration overwhelmed the doctor with amazement
and confusion; he was instantaneously deprived of his speech, and,
during the remaining part of the party, sat in silent mortification.
In all probability, he deliberated with himself, whether or not he
should expostulate with the young gentleman on the freedom he had
taken with his character in a company of strangers; but as he knew
he had not a Pallet to deal with, he very prudently suppressed that
suggestion, and, in secret, chewed the cud of resentment.


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