Already in imagination I saw myself rich (for in this way or in that the money would come), a favourite of the people, a trusted minister of the Crown and perhaps--who could tell ?--ennobled, living a life of dignity and repute, and at last leaving my honours and my fame to those who came after me.
On the other hand, if I refused this offer the chance would pass away from me, never to return again; it was probable even that I should lose Stephen Strong's friendship and support, for he was not a man who liked his generosity to be slighted, moreover he would believe me unsound upon his favourite dogmas.

In short, for ever abandoning my brilliant hopes I condemned myself to an experience of struggle as a doctor with a practice among second-class people.
After all, although the thought of it shocked me at first, the price I was asked to pay was not so very heavy, merely one of the usual election platform formulas, whereby the candidate binds himself to support all sorts of things in which he has little or no beliefs.

Already I was half committed to this anti-vaccination crusade, and, if I took a step or two farther in it, what did it matter?
One crank more added to the great army of British enthusiasts could make little difference in the scheme of things.
If ever a man went through a "psychological moment" in this hour I was that man.

The struggle was short and sharp, but it ended as might be expected in the case of one of my history and character.

Could I have foreseen the dreadful issues which hung upon my decision, I believe that rather than speak it, for the second time in my life I would have sought the solace to be found in the phials of my medicine chest.