shall find that out, perhaps, whenever he dies. But to resume. There
is no disputing the fact that he is ill; some sort of treatment he must
have. Let us leave theories alone, and put leeches on him, to counteract
the nervous and intestinal irritation, as to the existence of which we
all agree; and let us send him to drink the waters, in that way we shall
act on both systems at once. If there really is tubercular disease, we
can hardly expect to save his life; so that----"

Raphael abruptly left the passage, and went back to his armchair. The
four doctors very soon came out of the study; Horace was the spokesman.

"These gentlemen," he told him, "have unanimously agreed that leeches
must be applied to the stomach at once, and that both physical and
moral treatment are imperatively needed. In the first place, a carefully
prescribed rule of diet, so as to soothe the internal irritation"--here
Brisset signified his approval; "and in the second, a hygienic regimen,
to set your general condition right. We all, therefore, recommend you
to go to take the waters in Aix in Savoy; or, if you like it better, at
Mont Dore in Auvergne; the air and the situation are both pleasanter in
Savoy than in the Cantal, but you will consult your own taste."

Here it was Cameristus who nodded assent.

"These gentlemen," Bianchon continued, "having recognized a slight
affection of the respiratory organs, are agreed as to the utility of
the previous course of treatment that I have prescribed. They think
that there will be no difficulty about restoring you to health, and that
everything depends upon a wise and alternate employment of these various
means. And----"

"And that is the cause of the milk in the cocoanut," said Raphael,
with a smile, as he led Horace into his study to pay the fees for this
useless consultation.

"Their conclusions are logical," the young doctor replied. "Cameristus
feels, Brisset examines, Maugredie doubts. Has not man a soul, a body,
and an intelligence? One of these three elemental constituents always
influences us more or less strongly; there will always be the personal
element in human science. Believe me, Raphael, we effect no cures; we
only assist them. Another system--the use of mild remedies while Nature
exerts her powers--lies between the extremes of theory of Brisset and
Cameristus, but one ought to have known the patient for some ten years
or so to obtain a good result on these lines. Negation lies at t