Her condition improved visibly, until one fine morning the carriage of the
baroness was seen to approach the physician's residence at lightning speed.
The patient dashed up to the doctor's house, and on his appearing on the
scene she gasped out:

"O doctor! I took the chocolate first!"

"Then drive home as fast as you can," directed the astute disciple of
Asculapius, rapidly writing a prescription, "and take this emetic. The tea
must be underneath."

The grateful patient complied. She is still improving.


33. PRESENCE OF MIND

[A fine story to illustrate the value (money value) of presence of mind.]

A witty person whom Bismarck was commissioned by the Emperor to decorate
with the Iron Cross of the first class, discomfited the Chancellor's
attempt to chaff him. "I am authorized," said Bismarck, "to offer you one
hundred thalers instead of the cross." "How much is the cross worth?" asked
the soldier. "Three thalers." "Very well, then, your highness, I'll take
the cross and ninety-seven thalers." Bismarck was so surprised and pleased
by the ready shrewdness of the reply that he gave the man both the cross
and the money.


34. JOKE ON A DUDE