You Never Can Tell

THE YOUNG LADY. Yes: somebody in a hospital, not people who pay. THE DENTIST (laughing). Oh, the hospital doesn't count. I only meant my first tooth in private practice. Why didn't you let me give you gas? THE YOUNG LADY. Because you said it would be five shillings extra. THE DENTIST (shocked). Oh, don't say that. It makes me feel as if I had hurt you for the sake of five shillings. THE YOUNG LADY (with cool insolence). Well, so you have! (She gets up.) Why shouldn't you? it's your business to hurt people. (It amuses him to be treated in this fashion: he chuckles secretly as he proceeds to clean and replace his instruments. She shakes her dress into order; looks inquisitively about her; and goes to the window.) You have a good view of the sea from these rooms! Are they expensive? THE DENTIST. Yes. THE YOUNG LADY. You don't own the whole house, do you? THE DENTIST. No.