“Why do you say that?”

“No one who was really an invalid could possibly enjoy that cigar as you are enjoying it.”

“A good cigar — a glass of good wine,” he murmured, savoring the perfume of the cigar. “What would life be without them?”

“A few weeks ago, and you would have said: ‘What is life even with them?’“

“Then you really think I am better?” he smiled.

“I’m sure of it.”

“As for me,” he returned, “I confess it. That has happened which I thought never would happen. I am once more interested in life. The wish to live has come back. I am glad to be alive. Carl, your first case has been a success.”