There seems to be no possibility of arousing his interest in the outside world.

He refuses to receive visitors; he declines to hear his letters.

Hours pass without a word being spoken by him.

Unless you hear him speak to me or to his valet, you will easily suppose yourself to have a patient who has lost the power of speech as well as the gift of sight.

Should he express a wish to speak to me alone when we are with him, do not leave the room.