MRS DUBEDAT. Yes, I know, I know. It is a great privilege to have him. But oh, I wish it had been you. I know it's unreasonable; I cant explain; but I had such a strong instinct that you would cure him. I dont--I cant feel the same about Sir Ralph. You promised me. Why did you give Louis up? RIDGEON. I explained to you. I cannot take another case. MRS DUBEDAT. But at Richmond? RIDGEON. At Richmond I thought I could make room for one more case. But my old friend Dr Blenkinsop claimed that place. His lung is attacked. MRS DUBEDAT [attaching no importance whatever to Blenkinsop] Do you mean that elderly man--that rather-- RIDGEON [sternly] I mean the gentleman that dined with us: an excellent and honest man, whose life is as valuable as anyone else's. I have arranged that I shall take his case, and that Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington shall take Mr Dubedat's. MRS DUBEDAT [turning indignantly on him] I see what it is. Oh! it is envious, mean, cruel. And I thought that you would be above such a thing. RIDGEON. What do you mean? MRS DUBEDAT. Oh, do you think I dont know? do you think it has never happened before? Why does everybody turn against him? Can you not forgive him for being superior to you? for being cleverer? for being braver? for being a great artist? RIDGEON. Yes: I can forgive him for all that. MRS DUBEDAT. Well, have you anything to say against him? I have challenged everyone who has turned against him--challenged them face to face to tell me any wrong thing he has done, any ignoble thought he has uttered. They have always confessed that they could not tell me one. I challenge you now. What do you accuse him of? RIDGEON. I am like all the rest. Face to face, I cannot tell you one thing against him. MRS DUBEDAT [not satisfied] But your manner is changed. And you have broken your promise to me to make room for him as your patient. RIDGEON. I think you are a little unreasonable. You have had the very best medical advice in London for him; and his case has been taken in hand by a leader of the profession. Surely-- MRS DUBEDAT. Oh, it is so cruel to keep telling me that. It seems all right; and it puts me in the wrong. But I am not in the wrong. I have faith in you; and I have no faith in the others. We have seen so many doctors: I have come to know at last when they are only talking and can do nothing. It is different with you. I feel that you know. You must listen to me, doctor. [With sudden misgiving] Am I offending you by calling you doctor instead of remembering your title? RIDGEON. Nonsense. I AM a doctor. But mind you, dont call Walpole one.