There was humor in the boy, despite his dyspepsia.
"I understand there is a law forbidding suicide," he replied.

"But I asked your advice in an attempt to discover what you thought of my absurd condition.

Now that you call my attention to it, I believe I _am_ starving myself.

I need stronger and more nourishing food; and yet the best specialist in your progressive country has regulated my diet." "I don't believe much in specialists," asserted Patsy.

"If _you_ do, go ahead and kill yourself, in defiance of the law.