Mr. Query begged of her to explain herself.
"Oh, _I_ sha'n't say anything," exclaimed Mrs. Mason; "I've no ill
will against Dr. Harvey, and I'd rather cut off my right hand than
injure him."
"But is the report true?"
"True, Mr. Query? Do you suppose _I_ ever saw Dr. Harvey drunk? Then
how can you expect me to know? Oh, I don't wish to say anything
against the man, and I won't."
After visiting Mrs. Mason, Mr. Query went to half a dozen others to
learn the truth respecting Dr. Harvey's habits. Nobody would confess
that they knew anything, about his drinking; but Mr. Smith "was not
as much surprised as others might be;" Mr. Brown "was sorry if the
report was true," adding, that the best of men had their faults.
Miss Single had frequently remarked the doctor's florid complexion,
and wondered if his colour was natural; Mr. Clark remembered that
the doctor appeared unusually gay, on the occasion of his last visit
to his family; Mrs. Rogers declared that, when she came to reflect,
she believed she had once or twice smelt the man's breath; and Mr.
Impulse had often seen him riding at an extraordinary rate for a
sober Gentleman. Still Mr. Query was unable to ascertain any
definite facts respecting the unfavourable report.
Meanwhile, with his usual industry, Dr. Harvey went about his
business, little suspecting the scandalous gossip that was
circulating to his discredit.
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