Doctor Raoul's Romance Read Online Free PDF Page B

die?”
    “Madame, we must all die some time. But it is possible—no, probable—that you may live many years in perfect health and vitality. But only, I am convinced, if you submit to my treatment.”
    Gillian’s eyes sparkled.
    “Doctor, you’re the first person to hold out any real hope to me. With even a chance of real life ahead of me, I can face anything. And I would much rather die than go on like this.”
    “Madame, I too would feel that way.”
    “Tell me, will I have to go to hospital?”
    “Would you prefer that, madame?”
    “No—oh no! I would much prefer to stay here. With my husband.”
    Dr. Dubois looked thoughtfully at Nicholas, who was standing quietly now at the foot of the bed, his fists clenched, his face pale as death. Then his eyes turned to Adrien.
    “If you stay at home you will need good nursing. Excellent nursing. I would like, please, a few words alone with your nurse.” He held the door open for Adrien.
    “Where can I talk to you quietly, without interruptions?” he asked.
    “I think the salon is free.”
    “Then let’s go there.”
    There was a bowl of lilies-of-the-valley on the table, and the scent of the flowers rose between them.
    She thought, “Now it’s coming. He’s going to say that I’m not efficient. Well, he’s not going to get away with that! I’ll show him my qualifications. Just because I wasn’t wearing uniform. That isn’t a crime... ”
    Then suddenly she realized he wasn’t going to say anything of the kind. He came around the table toward her, almost pushing the obstacles to one side with an impatient gesture. He put his hands on her shoulders, and looked down into her eyes.
    “Nurse Grey—you realize, don’t you, that this is a desperate case?”
    “Yes, Doctor, I realize that.”
    “As things are now, Madame Renton hasn’t a chance. She’ll be dead inside three months. I believe I can save her. But I must have your cooperation. One hundred percent. Do you understand me?”
    “Yes, Dr. Dubois.”
    “I cannot tell precisely how she will react to this violent stimulant. One must be prepared for anything. It will be a great responsibility.”
    “Yes, Doctor.”
    “I would send her to hospital. But the will to live is very important in a case like this. She is very anxious to stay with her husband. And so,” he smiled suddenly, “it’s up to us, isn’t it, Nurse? You and me.”
    “Yes, Doctor. I won’t let you down. Or Gillian—Mrs. Renton.” Her heart added, “Or Nicholas.”
    He gave her another long look, then dropped his hands, as though satisfied.
    “I believe you, Nurse Grey. Dr. Lerouge says your qualifications are excellent. I trust you. Now for details. I shall not start this treatment for a few days. First I want to try to build up Madame’s general strength a little. Here is a diet I want you to follow exactly ... ”
    He went into technicalities. In spite of herself, Adrien was fascinated.
    “Well, that is all for now, Nurse. I will call again tomorrow. This case interests me very much. And now, I would like to say farewell to my patient.”
    He went back to the bedroom. Jeanne was hovering to offer wine and biscuits, which both doctors refused—the elder with evident disappointment, explaining, that they were in a hurry.
    Nicholas was sitting by Gillian’s bed, holding her hand. With an apologetic smile, he asked Adrien to show the doctors out.
    When they had gone she stood a moment in the tiled hall. The house was very quiet now. From the kitchen came the rasping murmur of an electric coffee-mill, as Jeanne ground coffee beans.
    At the foot of the stairs, in a little niche in the wall, was a wooden crucifix. Someone had placed a little vase of primroses in front of it.
    Adrien hesitated a moment. Then she clasped her hands.
    “Please,” she prayed, “help me to do my best. Help me not to let Gillian down, or Nicholas. And help Dr. Dubois.”
    Tears stung in her eyes. Impatiently she brushed them away and went back