Read the following conversation and answer the question.

M: Oh, it's you, Mrs. Bramley. Come in and sit down. Now, what was it? Oh, yes, your ankle. Has there been any improvement since last week?

W: Well, no, I'm afraid not, doctor. The leg's still the same.

M: I'd better have another look at it. HM! It's still very swollen. Have you been resting it, as! told you to?

W: It's so difficult to rest it, doctor, you know, with a house to run, and six children to look after.

M: Well, I've given you my advise. I'm sorry, but rest is necessary, otherwise I wouldn't have insisted on it. You must sit for at least four hours a day with the leg raised. Otherwise the ankle isn't going to improve. You understand that?

W: Yes, I understand, and I'll try to do as you say.

M: Very well then. I'll repeat that prescription for tablets, but the only effective treatment is rest. Ask the next patient to come in please.

Question: In what tone does the man talk to the woman? 

- Sympathetic.

- Firm.

- Scornful.


Firm.