He was self-willed and self-centered, and his pains and discomforts, which came simply from old habits of illness, were as real to him as if they had been genuine.

Several physicians had emphasized his belief that he was ill.

One doctor--so my friend was told--who saw clearly the truth of the case, ventured to hint at it and was at once discharged.

My friend knew all these difficulties and, when he made up his mind that the only right thing for him to do was to stay, he found himself intensely interested in trying to approach his patient with so much delicacy that he could finally convince him of the truth; and I am happy to say that his efforts were to a great degree successful.

The patient was awakened to the fact that, if he tried, he could be a well man.