The French specialist
came. He made a careful examination, but would give no decided opinion.
He was to stay a week at Tallyn in order to watch the case, and he
reserved his judgment. Meanwhile he gave certain directions as to local
treatment, and he asked that a new drug might be tried during the night
instead of the second dose of morphia usually given. The hearts of all
in charge of the invalid sank as they foresaw the inevitable struggle.
In the evening the new doctor paid a second visit to his patient. Diana
saw him afterward alone. He was evidently touched by the situation in
the house, and, cautious as he was, allowed himself a few guarded
sentences throwing light on the doubt--which was in effect a hope--in
his own mind.
"Madame, it is a very difficult case. The emaciation, the weakness, the
nerve depression--even if there were no organic disease--are alone
enough to threaten life. The morphia is, of course, a contributing
cause. The question before us is: Have we here a case of irreparable
disease caused by the blow, or a case of nervous shock producing all the
symptoms of disease--pain, blindness, emaciation--but ultimately
curable? That is what we have to solve.
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