According to "Debrett" she had married five years ago, but for such small untruths a woman may always be forgiven. I looked at her, unable to entirely satisfy myself regarding her. She seemed suffering from an agitation which she was striving with all her might to control. That her nervous organisation was impaired was no doubt correct, but it struck me that the cause of it all was some sudden and terrible shock to the system. "I assure you that you have my sympathy in your mental distress," I said at length. "There have always been fatalists who have argued that we must accept without question what is sent us, that we must bow in submission to a `will' without really seeking to find out what the `will' is." "Yes," she said thoughtfully. "It is quite impossible not to admit that the increased knowledge of the laws which regulate the visible universe has increased our living faith and added to the glory of the Almighty, while it has made it more difficult for men to make gods after their own image and use them for their own purposes." "Exactly," I said. "Modern medicine is teaching us every day that much bodily suffering is due to man's wilful neglect of the beneficent laws of Nature. That diseases are due to ignorance and disregard of law, and are not `sent' as scourges by a petulant and capricious deity, is clearly a doctrine which in no way dims the glory of God." "I quite agree," she responded. Then, in a low tone, more confidential than before, she added, "You, Doctor, have expressed sympathy for me in my distress, and I look to you for assistance. Curious though it may seem, I have scarcely a single friend in whom I can confide." "I shall respect your confidence, as is my duty," I answered, "and will do my best to stifle your craving for stimuli." "But the love of my husband?" "Endeavour to live uprightly and honestly, and show him your true worth above all other women," I said. "It is the only way." "I have done so," she answered sadly, "but have failed." "Do not give up. A man is never wholly proof against a good woman, especially if that woman be his wife." A silence fell between us. "And may I count upon your aid in all this, Doctor?" she asked, with some hesitation. "Certainly," I responded. "If I can give you any advice, I shall always be pleased to do so." "But my husband must know nothing. Recollect I have consulted you unknown to him." "As you wish, of course." "And, in future, if I wish to see you, may I call at your surgery?" "If you desire," I replied. "But I am only _locum tenens_ for my friend, Doctor Raymond, who is in the country. Perhaps I may go into practice in the country afterwards." "And leave me!" she exclaimed anxiously. "I hope not." "I shall still consider you my patient," I said. "No," she said. "I trust that you will regard me as more than a mere patient--as your friend."