The old half-forgotten time returns to me. I am once again a promising youth at college. BLORE. [_To himself._] One would think by his looks that he was goin' to poison his family instead of--Poison! Poison! Oh, if hanything serious 'appened to the hanimal in our stable there would be nothing in the way of Bonny-Betsy, the deservin' 'orse I've trusted with my 'ard-earned savings! THE DEAN. I am walking once again in the old streets at Oxford, avoiding the shops where I owe my youthful bills. Bills! [_He pounds away vigorously with the rolling-pin._ BLORE. [_To himself._] Where's the stuff I got a month ago to destroy the hold black retriever that fell hill? THE DEAN. Bills! BLORE. The dog died--the poison's in my pantry--it couldn't have got used for cooking purposes. THE DEAN. I see the broad meadows and the tall Spire of the college--the Spire! Oh, my whole life seems made up of Bills and Spires! BLORE. [_To himself._] I'll do it! I'll do it! [_Unseen by The Dean he quickly and quietly steals out by the door._ THE DEAN. Where are the drugs--the drugs? [_Opening the medicine chest and bending down over the bottles he pours some drops from a bottle into the basin._] [_Counting._] Three--four--five--six. [_He replaces the bottle and takes another._] How fortunate some animals are! [_Counting._] One--two--three, four. It's done! [_Taking up the medicine chest he goes with it into the Library._ _As he disappears BLORE re-enters stealthily fingering a small paper packet._ BLORE. [_In a whisper._] Strychnine! [_There is a heavy roll of thunder--BLORE darts to the table, empties the contents of the packet into the basin, and stirs vigorously with the rolling-pin._] I've cooked Dandy Dick! I've cooked Dandy Dick! [_He moves from the table in horror._] Oh! I'm only a hamatoor sportsman and I can't afford a uncertainty. [_As THE DEAN returns, BLORE starts up guiltily._] Can I help you any more, Sir? THE DEAN. No, remove these dreadful things, and don't let me see you again to-night! [_Sits with the basin on his knees, and proceeds to roll the paste._ BLORE. [_Removing the tray._] It's only an 'orse--it's only an 'orse! But after to-morrow I'll retire from the Turf, if only to reclaim 'im. [_He goes out._ THE DEAN. [_Putting on his coat._] I don't contemplate my humane task with resignation. The stable is small, and if the animal is restive we shall be cramped for room. [_The rain is heard._] I shall get a chill too. [_Seeing SIR TRISTRAM'S coat and cap lying upon the settee._] I am sure Mardon will lend me this gladly. [_Putting on the coat, which completely envelops him._] The animal may recognize the garment, and receive me with kindly feeling. [_Putting on the sealskin cap, which almost conceals his face._] Ugh! why do I feel this dreadful sinking at the heart? [_Taking the basin and turning out the lamp._] Oh! if all followers of the veterinary science are as truly wretched as I am, what a noble band they must be!