I will make affidavit that I have not used a hundred drops, or drunk one.

I suppose it was the cat.
Cats have queer tastes in the west, I believe.

I have heard the cat coming down stairs into the surgery, once or twice after I was in bed; so I set my door ajar a little, and saw her come up again: but whether she had a vial in her paws--" "Oh, sir!" says Mrs.Heale, bursting into tears.

"And after the dreadful toothache which I have had this fortnight, which nothing but a little laudanum would ease it; and at my time of life, to mock a poor elderly lady's infirmities, which I did not look for this cruelty and outrage!" "Dry your tears, my dear madam," says Tom, in his most winning tone.
"You will always find me the thorough gentleman, I am sure.

If I had not been one, it would have been easy enough for me, with my powerful London connections,--though I won't boast,--to set up in opposition to your good husband, instead of saving him labour in his good old age.
Only, my dear madam, how shall I get the laudanum-bottle refilled without the doctor's--you understand ?" The wretched old woman hurried upstairs, and brought him down a half-sovereign out of her private hoard, trembling like an aspen leaf, and departed.
"So--scotched, but not killed.