Signing to his visitor to be seated, he took a chair on the opposite side of the small table that stood between them--waited a moment with his face hidden in his hands, as if to collect himself--and then spoke.
"Do you come to consult me on a case of illness?" he inquired, "or do you ask me to look to the darkness which hides your future life?"The answer to these questions was frankly and briefly expressed.
"I have no need to consult you about my health. I come to hear what you can tell me of my future life.""I can try," pursued the Doctor; "but I cannot promise to succeed.""I accept your conditions," the stranger rejoined. "I never believe nor disbelieve. If you will excuse my speaking frankly, Imean to observe you closely, and to decide for myself."Doctor Lagarde smiled sadly.
