( at the mention of a doctor, atticus begins to shift uneasily. he is not so ill that a doctor is required and certainly not one whose clientele is exclusively genteel. he shakes his head, recalcitrant even in his soft mutters, ) No. No doctor.

( with great effort, he pushes himself off the sofa and stands on his own two feet, although unsteadily. his shoulders are raised up and back again although it causes pain to unfold through his body like a flood over a dam. however, he schools his features to impassivity, biting the inside of his cheek to help in the endeavour. )

I am fine. I will be fine, Miss Bennet. ( he turns to mr. bennet, who has lowered his newspaper down to observe atticus. ) George. I do not wish to trouble the doctor and take him away from the festivities. ( atticus already ruined one family's revelry. he shall not impose on another's.

he looks at miss bennet, tilting his head toward the door, and asks, ) If you could show me where I'm staying, I shall be eternally grateful. ( he presumes that it will be miss bennet's responsibility, not only because she's playing the part of the mistress of the house but also because mr. bennet has settled in his chair with a newspaper. he won't stand even if god almighty himself commands. he is not the kind to perform a duty if someone else can be delegated. )