As far as possible I shall give you his exact words: "'When did you give up smoking ?' he asked, abruptly, after examining my throat.
[Illustration] "'Three months ago,' I replied, taken by surprise; 'but how did you know I had given it up ?' "'Never mind how I know,' he said, severely; 'I told you that, however much you might desire to do so, you were not to take to not smoking.
This is how you carry out my directions.' "'Well,' I answered sulkily, 'I have been feeling so healthy for the last two years that I thought I could indulge myself a little.

You are aware how I abominate tobacco.' "'Quite so,' he said, 'and now you see the result of this miserable self-indulgence.

Two years ago I prescribed tobacco for you, to be taken three times a day, and you yourself admit that it made a new man of you.
Instead of feeling thankful you complain of the brief unpleasantness that accompanies its consumption, and now, in the teeth of my instructions, you give it up.

I must say the ways of patients are a constant marvel to me.' "'But how,' I asked, 'do you know that my reverting to the pleasant habit of not smoking is the cause of my present ailment ?' "'Oh!' he said, 'you are not sure of that yourself, are you ?' "'I thought,' I replied, 'there might be a doubt about it; though of course I have forgotten what you told me two years ago.' "'It matters very little,' he said, 'whether you remember what I tell you if you do not follow my orders.

But as for knowing that indulgence in not smoking is what has brought you to this state, how long is it since you noticed these symptoms ?' "'I can hardly say,' I answered.