human
Am I to see this patient of yours?
gpt
Is it absolutely necessary, Doctor? he asked, in return.
human
It is difficult to arrange that--without a complete change of base, he added.
gpt
It might be done, I suppose, but I don't see how, at this minute.
human
The only reason that it might be necessary, said the doctor, speaking slowly,
gpt
Can't we assume the patient to be--merely for the sake of fixing our ideas-- Doctor Galen continued, looking away and searching for his example,
human
You know Professor Ladue, then, Doctor?
gpt
Oh, yes, I know him, the doctor replied dryly.
human
Well, as I said, he won't do. Let us suppose that this case were that of--er--Mrs. Ladue. The doctor looked at Fox and smiled his pleasant smile.
gpt
She will answer our purpose as well as another.
human
Do you know Mrs. Ladue, too?
gpt
No, said Doctor Galen.
human
No, I have not that pleasure. But I know her husband. That, he added,
gpt
Well, suppose that it were Mrs. Ladue, then,--as an instance. Assuming that I have given all the symptoms, what should you say was the matter with her?
human
Well, he said at last,
gpt
I'm sure I don't know, he answered.
human
Say that she is thirty-odd--not over thirty-five.
gpt
That is not likely, then, the doctor resumed,
human
--the doctor tapped his head--
gpt
What is the treatment?
human
Oh, said Doctor Galen, apparently in surprise,
gpt
How much time?
human
That depends upon how far she has progressed and upon how complete a mental rest she can get. It might be any time, from a few weeks to a few years.
gpt
Then, I suppose, any--er--anxiety might interfere?
human
Any mental disturbance, Doctor Galen replied decidedly,
gpt
No, not yet, Fox sighed and rose.
human
It's not so simple as you might suppose. But I'm grateful to you, Doctor. I'll see what can be done and I may call upon you again. He put his hand to his pocket.
gpt
Shall I pay you now?
human
Hadn't you better wait until you get my bill? Yes, wait if you please.
gpt
You'll send one, Doctor?
human
How do you suppose, sir, said the doctor, smiling more than ever,--he seemed really amused, that doctor,--
gpt
Well, Fox replied, laughing,
human
I thank you again, Doctor, at any rate; and for letting me escape with my life.
gpt
Let me know how you come on with your schemes, the doctor said.
human
I am really interested. And, if you find it possible to give me a half-hour with your patient, I hope you will do so. It will be much better. Good-bye, Mr. Sanderson.
gpt
I will, said Fox.
human
Good-bye, Doctor.
gpt
A nice boy, that, Miss Mather, and a deserving case, he commented.
human
I should be glad to be able to believe that all my patients were as deserving. But I shouldn't make much,