then I thanked Alresca in formal phrases, and then, quite in the correct professional style, I began to make gentle fun of his idea of a mysterious complaint, and I asked him for a catalogue of his symptoms. I perceived that he and Rosa must have previously arranged that I should be requested to become his doctor.

“There are no symptoms,” he replied, “except a gradual loss of vitality. But examine me.”

I did so most carefully, testing the main organs, and subjecting him to a severe cross-examination.

“Well?” he said, as, after I had finished, I sat down to cogitate.

“Well, Monsieur Alresca, all I can say is that your fancy is too lively. That is what you suffer from, an excitable fan —