It was the mind of the priest that had won him testimonial clocks and silver salvers from grateful patients.

Often as he sat with some dingy-faced complainant, listening to a recital of sickness or uttering directions about avoidance of green meat, sauces, pastry, and liquids, till the atmosphere seemed that of a hospital, a pastry-cook's shop and a bar combined, he was silently examining the patient's soul, facing its probable vagaries, mapping out the tours it had taken, scheming for its welfare.

And, perhaps, after the dietary was arranged and the prescription was written, he would say carelessly: "Do you read much?
What do you read?
Ah! such and such books.

Yes, very interesting.

Do you know this book which has struck me greatly?
No?
Allow me to lend it to you.