The narrator tells the story of a thirty-year-old bachelor who has just had a stroke. The doctor has suspected that the stroke is a result of a transient cerebral ischemia, but it could take several days before it becomes a serious condition. The narrator advises the bachelor to stay with his mother during her illness, and to call on him if he needs anything. The bachelor says he doesn't know anything about his mother's recent health condition, and that his brother is taking care of the family's business at home. He tells the narrator that he is impressed with his mom's kindness, and asks if he can make her worry less about her health. He says he can't bring up the stroke to her because he is so impressed with her, but that it is a good opportunity for him to "test the waters first." The narrator asks if the bachelor really wants to get married, and the bachelor replies that he does not want to be married. He also says that his parents have pushed him too hard to be a "proper" bachelor, and he says that he will not force him to go on another blind date.