"Yes, complications. You are quite satisfied this is a case of sunstroke?"
"Quite."
The word came with a hard stroke, that was like the stroke of finality.
"Well, I'm not."
Doctor Hartley stared.
"I know you have come over with a view to a consultation," he said, stiffly. "But my patient has not demanded it, and as I think it entirely unnecessary, you will recognize that we need not pursue this conversation."
"You say the patient does not wish for my opinion on the case?" said Isaacson, allowing traces of surprise to escape him.
"I do. He is quite satisfied to leave it in my hands. He told me so this morning when I arrived."
"I am not reflecting for a moment on your capacity, Doctor Hartley. But, really, in complex cases, two opinions—"
"Who says the case is complex?"