"Why do you say 'bother?'"
"Because it is bother, and nothing else. When did I ever want medical advice? In general health, I'm as strong as a horse."
"When we were young men at home, they used to say I had twice the constitution that you had, Adam, in spite of your strong looks."
"Home fallacy!" said Adam lightly. "It was the father used to say that, I remember. For the most part, the preaching that people make over 'constitution' is worth no more than the breath wasted on it. The proof of a pudding is in the eating: and the proof of a sound constitution lies in a man's good strength. I am stronger than you, Karl."
"As regards muscular strength, you are."
"And what's muscular strength a proof of, pray, but constitutional strength? Come, old wise-acre!"
To argue with Adam Andinnian had been always about as profitable as to tell a ship to sail against the wind. So Karl said no more about strength.
"The chance that such a necessity may arise, Adam, and the difficulty and danger that would attend it----"
"What necessity?" interrupted Adam.
"Of your requiring a medical man. Your wife will want one; but that's different: she is supposed to live here alone, and you will of course take care to keep out of the way at that time. But the other thought does cross my mind anxiously now and again."