“ ‘I’m in consumption,’ I said laconically, rising from my seat.

“He jumped up, too.

“ ‘Perhaps you are exaggerating⁠—if you were to take proper measures perhaps⁠—’

“He was terribly confused and did not seem able to collect his scattered senses; the pocketbook was still in his left hand.

“ ‘Oh, don’t mind me,’ I said. ‘

Dr.