The family at the Manor had employed Dr Gruffen for the last thirty years, and Crofts, when he received the earl's message, could hardly believe the words.

"The earl ain't very bad," said the servant, "but he would be glad to see you if possible a little before dinner." "You're sure he wants to see me ?" said Crofts.
"Oh, yes; I'm sure enough of that, sir." "It wasn't Dr Gruffen ?" "No, sir; it wasn't Dr Gruffen.

I believe his lordship's had about enough of Dr Gruffen.

The doctor took to chaffing his lordship one day." "Chaffed his lordship;--his hands and feet, and that sort of thing ?" suggested the doctor.
"Hands and feet!" said the man.

"Lord bless you, sir, he poked his fun at him, just as though he was nobody.