The Countess informs him coldly that she has no curiosity about
his letters. Referring to the cold from which he is suffering,
she inquires if he thinks of consulting a medical man.
My Lord answers roughly that he is quite old enough to be capable of
doctoring himself.
'As he makes this reply, the Courier appears, returning from the post.
My Lord gives him orders to go out again and buy some lemons.
He proposes to try hot lemonade as a means of inducing perspiration
in bed. In that way he has formerly cured colds, and in that way
he will cure the cold from which he is suffering now.
'The Courier obeys in silence. Judging by appearances, he goes
very reluctantly on this second errand.
'My Lord turns to the Baron (who has thus far taken no part
in the conversation) and asks him, in a sneering tone, how much
longer he proposes to prolong his stay in Venice. The Baron
answers quietly, "Let us speak plainly to one another, my Lord.
If you wish me to leave your house, you have only to say the word,
and I go." My Lord turns to his wife, and asks if she can support
the calamity of her brother's absence--laying a grossly insulting
emphasis on the word "brother.
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