VALENTINE (making a wry face in spite of himself). You seem to have
been very carefully educated, Mr. Crampton.
CRAMPTON (grimly). I wasn't spoiled, at all events.
VALENTINE (smiling a little to himself). Are you quite sure?
CRAMPTON. What d'y' mean?
VALENTINE. Well, your teeth are good, I admit. But I've seen just
as good in very self-indulgent mouths. (He goes to the ledge of cabinet
and changes the probe for another one.)
CRAMPTON. It's not the effect on the teeth: it's the effect on the
character.
VALENTINE (placably). Oh, the character, I see. (He recommences
operations.) A little wider, please. Hm! That one will have to come
out: it's past saving. (He withdraws the probe and again comes to the
side of the chair to converse.) Don't be alarmed: you shan't feel
anything. I'll give you gas.
CRAMPTON. Rubbish, man: I want none of your gas. Out with it.
People were taught to bear necessary pain in my day.
VALENTINE. Oh, if you like being hurt, all right. I'll hurt you as
much as you like, without any extra charge for the beneficial effect on
your character.
CRAMPTON (rising and glaring at him). Young man: you owe me six
weeks' rent.
VALENTINE. I do.
CRAMPTON. Can you pay me?
VALENTINE. No.
CRAMPTON (satisfied with his advantage). I thought not. How soon
d'y' think you'll be able to pay me if you have no better manners than
to make game of your patients? (He sits down again.
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