“Because I only described to you imaginary symptoms,” she laughed mischievously. “I enjoy a glass of port immensely after dinner, but further than that never touch stimulants, nor have any inclination for them.”
“So you have deceived me,” I said severely, for it seemed as though she wished to poke fun at me.
“Yes. But I hope you will forgive me,” she answered, laughing.
“I cannot see what motive you can have in calling me in to describe a malady from which you are not suffering. A doctor’s time is valuable.”
“I had a motive.”
“And pray what was it?”
“Well, I wished to make your acquaintance,” she answered boldly, without hesitation.
“You adopted a rather unusual course,” I remarked, somewhat annoyed.
“I think, under the circumstances, this little ruse of mine may possibly be forgiven,” she answered. “I am not the first woman who has called in a doctor professionally merely in order to make his acquaintance.”
“And for what reason did you wish to know me?”