I hear you have been suffering from physical depression ?" He spoke as any physician might do who inquired after a patient's health.

I was surprised and relieved.

I had prepared myself for something darkly mystical, almost cabalistic; but there was nothing unusual in the demeanour of this pleasant and good-looking gentleman who, bidding me be seated, took a chair himself opposite to me, and observed me with that sympathetic and kindly interest which any well-bred doctor would esteem it his duty to exhibit.

I became quite at ease, and answered all his questions fully and frankly.

He felt my pulse in the customary way, and studied my face attentively.