I spurred my horse, and soon arrived at the door of my patient, who lived in a fair brick house at the other extremity of the park.
I found my patient, a man somewhat advanced in years, but of a robust conformation, in bed: he had been seized with a fit, which was supposed to be apoplectic, a few hours before; but was already sensible, and out of immediate danger.

After I had prescribed a few simple remedies, I took aside the patient's wife, and went with her to the parlour below stairs, to make some inquiry about her husband's ordinary regimen and habits of life.

These seemed sufficiently regular; I could discover no apparent cause for the attack, which presented symptoms not familiar to my experience.

"Has your husband ever had such fits before ?" "Never!" "Had he experienced any sudden emotion?
Had he heard any unexpected news; or had anything happened to put him out ?" The woman looked much disturbed at these inquiries.

I pressed them more urgently.