Page:The Fruit of the Tree (Wharton 1907).djvu/432

Rh “And yet you don’t hesitate to predict"

“No, I don’t, sir; because the case, as I see it, presents certain deﬁnite indications.” He began to enumerate them, cleverly avoiding the use of technicalities and trying to make his point clear by the use of simple illustration and analogy. It sickened Justine to listen to his passionate exposition—she had heard it so often, she believed in it so little.

Mr. Tredegar turned a probing glance on him as he ended. "Then, today even, you believe not only in the possibility of prolonging life, but of ultimate recovery?”

Wyant hesitated. “I won’t call it recovery—today. Say—life indeﬁnitely prolonged.”

“And the paralysis?”

“It might disappear—after a few months—or a few years.” '

“Such an outcome would be unusual?”

“Exceptional. But then there are exceptions. And I’m straining every nerve to make this one!”

“And the suffering—such as today’s, for instance—is unavoidable?”

“Unhappily.”

“And bound to increase?”

“Well—as the anæsthetics lose their effect.…”

There was a tap on the door, and one of the nurses entered to report to Wyant. He went out with her, and Justine was left with Mr. Tredegar. [ 416 ]