Isn't that very like murder--isn't it ?" "Ah, my dear friend, thank God that you are not a parson, having a handsome wife and a handsome curate, with the gout to support you and keep you comfortable.

You would then feel that there are other twinges worse than those of the gout." "Ay, but is there anything wrong about your head ?" "Heaven knows.

About a twelvemonth ago I felt as if there were two sprouts budding out of my forehead, but on putting up my hand I could feel nothing.

It was as smooth as ever.

It must have been hypochondriasis.